1. FC Bocholt can dream of the 3rd division. If the team manages to get promoted, it will probably not be because of the stadium expansion.
1. FC Bocholt is one of the big surprises in the Regionalliga West. Bocholt are level on points with Alemannia Aachen in second place and can dream of promotion to the 3. Liga.
If that works out, there would be a lot to be done at the stadium. The requirements of the 3. Liga are significantly higher. Bocholt’s sports director Christopher Schorch recently told RS with regard to the stadium and the 2.65 million euros that are being discussed by the city: “I strongly assume that we will get the money. The signals have been positive recently. 1. FC Bocholt has shown what it can do for the city as a football club. Suddenly people are talking about Bocholt. Politicians see it similarly.”
Which was confirmed on February 14th. Because the Bocholts city council has voted by a majority in favor of contributing a subsidy of around 2,85 million euros to the stadium renovation. The aim is to make the Bocholter Hünting suitable for the third division and to accommodate at least 5000 visitors in the future.
A statement said: “The entire stadium expansion is estimated to cost 6.5 million euros. The provision of municipal funds is subject to conditions. The club is asked to present a financing plan.” The Bocholt city council will discuss the issue again on March 6.
The provision of municipal funds is subject to conditions
City of Bocholt
If Bocholt were to actually be promoted to the 3rd division, infrastructural tasks would await the club. Not only would spectator capacity have to be expanded, but better floodlights and under-soil heating would also be required.
Until then, FCB and coach Dietmar Hirsch have their homework to do on the pitch. The next home game is on Saturday (February 17, 2 p.m.) against SC Paderborn II. League leaders Aachen will play against the U23 team of FC Schalke 04 on Sunday (2 p.m.).