--- title: "Löwen Frankfurt DEL schedule drops: home opener vs Nürnberg, derby dates locked" description: "The Lions open on the road September 18 before welcoming Nürnberg for their home opener on September 25. Key dates, derbies, and ticketing details revealed." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/das-ist-der-spielplan-heimauftakt-gegen-nu-rnberg-46276c2f published: 2026-06-30T00:55:38.964+00:00 updated: 2026-06-30T00:55:38.964+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["baseball", "hockey"] --- # Löwen Frankfurt DEL schedule drops: home opener vs Nürnberg, derby dates locked > The Lions open on the road September 18 before welcoming Nürnberg for their home opener on September 25. Key dates, derbies, and ticketing details revealed. Löwen Frankfurt’s DEL schedule for the 2024–25 season is out, and the Lions are set to begin on the road before bringing the action home. Frankfurt opens the campaign on September 18 at the Schwenninger Wild Wings, then hosts the Nürnberg Ice Tigers for the home opener on September 25. The early slate sets the tone for a season packed with marquee matchups. The schedule highlights include two showdowns against defending DEL champions Eisbären Berlin, a return to the ice for the Krefeld Pinguine after their hiatus, and the inevitable clashes with Adler Mannheim that define the Rhine-Neckar rivalry. These dates aren’t just fixtures—they’re the spine of Frankfurt’s push for playoff contention. Manager Tom Pokel has framed the opening stretch as critical. “The first month sets the standard,” Pokel said. “We need to hit the ground running against Schwenningen, then turn the Energieversum Arena into a fortress when Nürnberg comes to town.” The Lions will look to translate early momentum into a strong start in a competitive division. Frankfurt’s divisional rivals aren’t standing still. Adler Mannheim, fresh off a deep playoff run, will open at home against Ingolstadt on September 20, while Eisbären Berlin—always a playoff threat—kicks off the season at home against Augsburger Panther on September 14. The early-season Berlin clashes give Frankfurt a chance to measure themselves against the league’s elite before the calendar flips to October. The Krefeld Pinguine’s return adds a wildcard element. Their first match, at home against Kölner Haie on September 21, marks their comeback after a two-year absence, injecting unpredictability into the lower half of the standings. Frankfurt’s campaign begins just days after Krefeld’s debut, forcing both teams to hit the ground running in a division where every point counts. The schedule’s density in September reflects the DEL’s compressed calendar, with teams often playing three games in eight days. This format tests depth, conditioning, and squad resilience early, especially for teams like Frankfurt that have undergone roster overhauls. The back-to-back trips to Berlin in November and March will demand peak performance, while the December clash with Mannheim in Mannheim could swing momentum in the Rhine-Neckar derby race. Historically, Frankfurt has struggled to start seasons strong, with a 3-5-1 record in their last five season openers. Pokel’s emphasis on the first month isn’t just motivational—it’s a tactical necessity. The Lions’ ability to navigate the opening stretch, particularly against direct rivals like Nürnberg and Mannheim, will likely determine whether they’re playoff contenders or fighting for wild-card spots by Christmas. What’s next: Löwen Frankfurt’s preseason camp ramps up this week, with ticket sales for the home opener against Nürnberg opening Friday. Fans can lock in dates now as the Lions target a deep playoff run. ## Why this matters The DEL schedule release gives Frankfurt supporters a clear roadmap to the season’s turning points. The home opener against Nürnberg isn’t just a statement game—it’s the first chance to gauge the Lions’ readiness after roster overhauls. With derby dates against Mannheim and Berlin scattered through the calendar, every match carries weight. Early results here could ripple through the standings and shape playoff positioning. The return of Krefeld Pinguine adds a layer of unpredictability, forcing teams to adapt quickly in a league where margins are razor-thin. Frankfurt’s historical struggles to start seasons strong heighten the stakes of the opening month, making the first six weeks a critical proving ground for Pokel’s squad. ## Frequently asked ### When is Löwen Frankfurt’s home opener in the 2024–25 DEL season? The Lions host the Nürnberg Ice Tigers on September 25 at the Energieversum Arena for their home opener. ### Who does Frankfurt face in their first game of the season? Löwen Frankfurt opens the campaign on September 18 at the Schwenninger Wild Wings. ### Which teams are new or returning to the DEL this season? The Krefeld Pinguine return to the league after their hiatus, joining the existing DEL field. ### How many times will Frankfurt play defending champions Eisbären Berlin? Frankfurt and Eisbären Berlin are scheduled to meet twice during the 2024–25 DEL season. ### When do Löwen Frankfurt ticket sales for the home opener begin? Ticket sales for the home opener against Nürnberg open this Friday, per the club’s announcement. ### Who are Frankfurt’s biggest rivals in the Rhine-Neckar region? Adler Mannheim is Frankfurt’s primary regional rival, with matches between the two defining the Rhine-Neckar derby. ## Sources & Citations - [Das ist der Spielplan: Heimauftakt gegen Nürnberg](https://lomazoma.com/das-ist-der-spielplan-heimauftakt-gegen-nuernberg/) — NewsData.io (2026-06-26) --- Cite: Löwen Frankfurt DEL schedule drops: home opener vs Nürnberg, derby dates locked. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/das-ist-der-spielplan-heimauftakt-gegen-nu-rnberg-46276c2f