Union Host Ipswich Town in the Season Opener

The opponents

Ipswich Town, founded in 1878, will be starting the coming season back in the Premier league, to which they were last promoted for the 2024/25 season. Following a subsequent relegation, second place in the Championship ensure their immediate return to the top flight.

The most successful phase in Town's history came under the coaching legends Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson. In 1962, the club surprisingly won the English championship having won the 2nd division the previous season, and in 1978 they won the FA Cup. The club celebrated its greatest European success in 1981 by winning the UEFA Cup, defeating AZ Alkmaar in the final.

Season opening of the professional men at the stadium An der Alten Försterei

Union hosts Ipswich Town

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Even though their biggest titles are now several decades in the past, Ipswich Town continus to enjoy high regard due to their history, passionate fans, and significant role in English football. The return to the Premier League underscores the club's ambition to establish itself long-term in the top flight once again.

“We are looking forward to concluding our preparations with a home game at the Alte Försterei and to focus on the start of the season together with the fans," said Union head coach, mauro Lustrinelli, ahead of saturday's curtain raiser. "The emphasis will continue to be on maximizing playing time for all players as well as implementing the contents we have worked on in training over the past few weeks. At the same time, we aim to gain the necessary confidence for the competitive match with a good performance."

The match against Ipswich Town FC is a dress rehearsal for the men’s professional team of 1. FC Union Berlin before the official start of the DFB Pokal in the first round. Before kickoff, fans can look forward to the presentation of the players, the coaching staff, and the support team.

13:30 - Stadium opening 
14:30 - Team presentation on the pitch 
15:30 - Kick off: 1. FC Union Berlin vs. Ipswich Town FC 
18:15 - Autograph session

As usual, the Stadion An der Alten Försterei opens two hours before kick-off.

Tickets for the dress rehearsal of the Lustrinelli team are still available for purchase online and can also be purchased at all Union stores. On matchday, tickets can also be purchased at the box office from the opening of the stadium. In the standing area, Union offers an attractive family deal: A ticket for one adult and one child (aged six to twelve) is available for just €20. Children under five enjoy free entry as toddlers.

It is expected to be loud in the away block as around eight hundred English supporters are anticipated. Tickets for the away block are available here .

Hämmerlingstraße is now open again, but the walking path to the stadium does not lead through the forest path, but along the sports hall. Please note the closure of Bahnhofstraße; pedestrians and cyclists can use Bahnhofshalle as a diversion.

There are remaining parking spaces available in the parking lot in front of the main stand, which can only be booked online at a price of €8. 

Union informs about the match in the club's own live ticker, and also offers AFTV+ providing a livestream .