In one week, Energie Cottbus faces the top match of the 3rd Division at RWE. One thing is clear: the club is developing faster on the field than in terms of infrastructure.

For the second year in a row, Energie Cottbus has established itself as a strong force in the 3rd Division. As was the case last year, coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz’s team appears to be working toward promotion to the 2nd Bundesliga.

A pivotal match is coming up: This Sunday, November 23, at 7:30 p.m., the Lusatians will face Rot-Weiss Essen. It’s a matchup between the second-place team and the fourth-place team—and dreams of promotion are once again taking root in the city of Cottbus.

But should the big coup succeed and the jump to the second division become a reality, Energie faces a serious problem: The stadium currently does not meet the requirements of the 2. Bundesliga. Two scenarios are on the table to overcome this obstacle—either the necessary support is provided for the expansion plans already submitted, or coach Wollitz would have to hit the jackpot.

As early as February 2025, club president Sebastian Lemke made it clear to rbb: “With this stadium, there’s no chance of getting a license for the second division here. ” However, little has changed since that statement. Although a feasibility study was initiated in January 2025, there has been hardly any news of progress since then.

In light of the lack of political support, 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 serves more than just soccer.

If I succeed in this, 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 wouldn’t invite the people who stand in the way

Claus-Dieter Wollitz

Club President Lemke commented: “We would have liked to see much more momentum on this matter, because no time should be wasted in finally advancing Cottbus as a professional soccer hub. We’ve 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 decisions and concrete action.”

If support doesn’t materialize this time either, the only hope left is that Wollitz has a lucky streak. 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 wouldn’t invite the people who stand in the way.”