Next Friendly on the Cards
Men's Pre-Season Moves on to Jena
1. FC Union Berlin's men's first team will play FC Carl Zeiss Jena on Sunday afternoon in their next pre-season friendly. Kick off in the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld in Jena is at 15:30
The Opponents
The football tradition in Jena dates back to 1903 when the club today known as FC Carl Zeiss Jena, one of the most traditional in East Germany, was founded. FCC play at the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld, the footballing center of the university town for decades which underwent reconstruction and modernization from 2020 to 2024.
Among the greatest successes in the club's history are three GDR championships (1963, 1968, and 1970) as well as four DFB Pokal victories. The Thuringians also made their mark in Eurpope when they reached the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1981. In total, they have played 87 European Cup matches in their club history.
Marco Grote will be a familiar face on the touchline for the Thuringians. The 53-year-old previously worked as the coach of Union's U-19s and temporarily took charge of the men's professional team twice during the 2023/2024 season with his then-assistant Marie-Louise Eta, securing Bundesliga survival on the last matchday of the season. After several years with the club, Grote left 1. FC Union Berlin in the summer of 2025 and has been the head coach of the FCC since June 1, 2026.
FCC are currently in the Regionalliga Nordost where they finished the 2025/26 season in second place.
“In the first weeks of preparation, the team primarily focuses on the joy of football and working with the ball. Nevertheless, there are already more and more tactical elements that we want to see implemented. Our opponent is a team that is at a similar level as Chemnitz was recently. I hope that the boys make the most of their playing time to present themselves as best as possible and leave a positive impression,” said head coach Mauro Lustrinelli before the game on Sunday.
TRAVEL
- Stadium
Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld | Roland-Ducke-Weg 1 | 07745 Jena - Travel by car
Coming from the A4, follow the exit "Jena-Zentrum" on the B88 towards the city center. After about 4 km, at the traffic lights near the stadium, turn left over the tram tracks to the away block.
The guest parking is at P4, and the parking fee is €6,
By train/Public Transport
From Jena-Paradies station, you can walk over the Saale and through the park along the river to the stadium in about 15 minutes. Tram lines 1, 4, and 5 stop at the “Sportforum” station, which is located in immediate proximity to the stadium.
ON SITE
- Stadium Opening
90 minutes before kick-off: 14:00
The stadium regulations apply. - Away Block
Blocks Q (standing area) and P (standing area) are reserved for Unioners in the away area. - Entry
Standard security checks will take place at the stadium entrance. Persons visibly under the influence of alcohol will be denied entry to the stadium. - Baggage/Backpacks
No larger backpacks or bags than A4 size may be brought into the stadium. - Additional Information
Payments at the snack bar in the away block can only be made by card.
For all Unioners who still want to dress in red and white fan merchandise, the Fahr-Zeughaus is available right in front of the away block.
