1. FC Union Berlin open the season on Sunday against Carl Zeiss Jena in an anniversary friendly to mark the 50th year since the FDGB Pokal win in 1968. Half a century ago, the Köpenick club fought against all odds to overturn an early deficit and beat one of the GDR’s pre-eminent clubs to claim the prize.

Something for everyone

Union’s supporters marked the biggest achievement in the club’s history with a choreography at the final home outing of the season against VfL Bochum. Another display has been crafted by our fans on the theme of “Cup Victory” ahead of the season opening on Sunday.

Events start at 12:00 when a statue will be unveiled in front of the Stadion An der Alten Försterei main stand — with the noted support and imitative of ‘Szene Köpenick’ one of our fan groups. Legends, dignatories and Union president Dirk Zingler will attend the formal opening of the memorial, which will stand on the ‘Union Promenade’ between the main stand at the forester’s lodge. All Union supporters are invited to attend.

Around 45 minutes before kick-off, the new management team and the first-team squad will be introduced to the supporters. Just prior to the kick-off, we will welcome the victorious finalists from 1968 to the pitch, while our new away and third kits will be presented for the first time.

The festivities will continue until late with a beer garden, barbecue, autograph session and live music stand at the corner of Hämmerlingstrasse.

Outline of Sunday’s events:

12:00 — Stadium opening and unveiling of cup winners monument

13:15 — Presentation of squad, coach and backroom staff in stadium

14:00 — Celebration of cup winners before Union-Jena match

16:00 — Start of fan party with live music in the beer garden

17:00 — Autograph session during fan party

Opposition Check: Dominance since GDR end

1. FC Union Berlin have scored 50 times against Jena, with the Köpenick club losing just one from the previous 11 meetings since German reunification. The last meeting was a pre-season friendly in 2011/12 when Union ran out 4-0 winners in the capital.

Jena finished 11^th in the German 3.Liga after recovering from a sluggish start to the season. Mark Zimmer’s team were in relegation trouble before a superb run of six wins from seven allowed them to secure their status for another campaign.

Tickets are still available / parking info

Any fans wishing to attend on Sunday can still buy tickets from any of Union Berlin’s club stores or online.

Children under the age of 12 can get in for free, while standing tickets are available from 5EUR* and seated for 10EUR*. With the exception of Section 4, the entire stadium will be open.

A limited number of parking places are available at P1 for a price of 4EUR per vehicle.

*All prices include VAT and don’t include advance booking and system fee, if applicable.