The quarter-final match of the Sachsenpokal between Chemnitzer FC and FC Erzgebirge Aue on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 3 PM is shaping up to be an extraordinary affair, with a record crowd expected as local fervor builds in anticipation of this intense derby.
After a long hiatus, the stadium at An der Gellertstraße is sold out for the first time since a 2017 match against FC Bayern München, with a remarkable 14,812 fans set to fill the stands. This includes 2,000 children and teenagers, alongside an impressive contingent of around 2,000 passionate supporters from Erzgebirge Aue, promising a vibrant atmosphere that encapsulates the spirit of local rivalry.
Uwe Hildebrand, managing director of Chemnitzer FC, expressed the heightened excitement prevalent throughout the region: "The anticipation is enormous—the whole region is looking forward to the match. For the future development of our club, this is of immense importance: amidst all the emotion, we must not cross our red lines, even against our eternal rivals. 2,000 children will be in the stadium—they deserve to have an unforgettable experience and want to return!" This sentiment underscores both the sporting and communal significance of the event.
The match day will feature additional exciting elements, including the sale of 5,000 limited edition "Rekordpokalsieger" cups, where each cup contributes a 2-Euro deposit that benefits the club financially. Fans are encouraged to bring these cups home as mementos from what promises to be an unforgettable football afternoon.
In order to manage the significant crowd, the stadium gates will open earlier than usual, at 1 PM, a half-hour ahead of the typical schedule, allowing fans ample time to find their seats and become immersed in the pre-match atmosphere. With the stadium historically buzzing long before kickoff during previous European Cup campaigns, Saturday’s event is expected to be no different.
Moreover, the CFC fan shop will be bursting with excitement, opening at noon, three hours before match time, stocked with an array of merchandise including scarves, shirts, and a special emphasis on a retro FCK jersey designed for this significant clash. Two additional fan stands will ensure that no supporter is left without the right attire for this monumental event.
Fans traveling to the match can take advantage of free transportation in the VMS area for four hours before and six hours after the game, a boon considering the complete allocation of 1,000 parking spaces surrounding the stadium. The Citybahn will also provide additional trains to accommodate the influx of spectators.
The focus on younger fans will be evident with the inclusion of children from the FC Greifenstein 04 Ehrenfriedersdorf to escort the players onto the field, alongside the U13 team from Chemnitzer FC acting as ball kids. Additionally, 6,000 flyers will be distributed around the stadium, further engaging young supporters.
On the safety front, organizers have planned meticulously, enlisting 225 marshals and 50 extra emergency personnel from the Red Cross and firefighters to ensure a secure environment during the match. In response to potential challenges posed by a large crowd, two emergency doctors will be on-site, while catering staff work diligently at 14 food trucks and 12 stands to keep everyone nourished and hydrated.
All this effort has led to the shipment of 100 Euro pallets of drinks, with further logistical preparations requiring over 1.8 kilometers of cable for interim catering facilities. Fans are advised to be understanding of any possible delays due to these extensive setup efforts.
Engaging with the local community, the active fanscene has produced exclusive scarves and shirts to commemorate this year’s definitive cup derby. Priced at 10 Euros for scarves and 20 Euros for shirts, these items can be purchased at the entrance area near the southern curve of the stadium.
Adding to the excitement, the match will be broadcast live by MDR, starting its coverage at 2:58 PM. Fans unable to attend in-person have the option to catch the action via the livestream, where the game will feature commentary by local legend Eik Galley, alongside expert insights from Lutz Lindemann as they guide viewers through the event.
This particular match day not only stands as a confrontation of clubs but also a unifying event for the community, set to resonate long after the final whistle. The anticipation surrounding this year’s Sachsenpokal match between Chemnitz and Erzgebirge Aue is palpable, with excitement and hope intertwining as fans gear up to witness their teams battle it out for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.
Both clubs and their supporters are gearing up for what promises to be a historic chapter in their long-standing rivalry, one that encapsulates the spirit of community, competition, and passion for the beautiful game.
