Overview

• The rebranding was unveiled on September 27 at the Fischerstraße ground before about 1,200 spectators during a community celebration.
• A Kalkbrenner-picked side beat a Sparta selection 7:3, with the DJ scoring twice as Deniz Aytekin officiated early and guests such as Per Mertesacker and Torsten Mattuschka took part.
• The move is unusual in Berlin because it honors a living person and required special administrative steps led by district councillor Sandy Mattes.
• Officials said Kalkbrenner’s payment goes to the district budget, the sum was set comparatively low, and they will try to channel some funds back to the facility.
• Sparta’s leadership aims to leverage the attention for further dedications, including a proposal to name the youth training ground after Jürgen Nöldner.