In one week, Energie Cottbus will face RWE in the top match of the third division. One thing is clear: the club is developing faster in terms of sport than in terms of infrastructure.

Energie Cottbus has established itself as a strong force in the third division for the second year in a row. As in the previous year, coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz’s team seems to be working its way up to the second division. A landmark duel is coming up: this Sunday, November 23, at 7:30 p.m., the Lusatians will face Rot-Weiss Essen. It is a clash between the second and fourth-placed teams in the table – and dreams of promotion are once again sprouting in the city of Cottbus. But if the big coup succeeds and the jump to the second division becomes a reality, Energie faces a serious problem: the stadium does not currently meet the requirements of the 2nd Bundesliga. There are two scenarios under discussion to overcome this obstacle – either the necessary support for the expansion plans already submitted will be forthcoming, or coach Wollitz will have to win the lottery. Back in February 2025, club president Sebastian Lemke made it clear to rbb: “With this stadium, there is no chance of getting a license for the second division here. ” However, little has happened since this statement was made. Although a feasibility study was initiated in January 2025, there has been little news of any progress since then. In view of the lack of support from politicians, the club has taken the initiative and presented its plans for the stadium’s renovation on November 4. The goal is to create a modern, multifunctional arena that will serve more than just soccer.

If I succeed, I promise that this will be the best stadium in Germany – for the people, for the region, for the passion, for the support.
And I would not invite the people who prevent that from happening. Claus-Dieter Wollitz Club president Lemke commented: “We would have liked to see much more speed in this matter, because there is no time to lose in finally advancing Cottbus as a professional soccer location.
We have done everything possible, done our homework, and developed concepts and ideas. Our team plays great, successful soccer, but the necessary infrastructure is still lacking. We now need not only positive signals, but finally also decisions and concrete action.”

If no support is forthcoming this time either, all that remains is to hope for Wollitz’s lucky hand. He recently made it clear what he would do if he hit the jackpot: “If I succeed, I promise that the best stadium in Germany will be built here – for the people, for the region, for the passion, for the support. And I would not invite the people who prevent that from happening.”