Countdown to the Bundesliga Season Opener: attendance, referees, broadcast

As the countdown begins for the Bundesliga season opener, fans and officials alike are preparing for what promises to be an electrifying start to the new season. Borussia Dortmund (BVB) will face off against Hamburg SV (HSV) at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, their home stadium, where the atmosphere is guaranteed to be electric. The stadium will be packed, with an attendance figure of 81,365 fans – a sell-out crowd that has become a trademark of BVB matches.

In a nod to modernization, DEW21 will take over the role of announcing the attendance figure during the game, replacing the city perfumery Pieper that has been doing so for years. The new announcer is focusing on the people who bring the stadium to life, having filmed over 100 fans to showcase their energy in the new season format.

The friendly rivalry between BVB and HSV has a rich history, with 117 matches played between the two sides. BVB holds a slight edge in this rivalry, with 47 wins compared to HSV's 41, including memorable matches like the 1957 German Championship final and the 1963 DFB Cup final. In their last seven meetings, BVB has been on a roll, earning 19 points out of a possible 21, giving them a slightly positive Bundesliga record of 39-29-36.

HSV, while still competitive, has struggled slightly more, scoring the most goals against any Bundesliga opponent with 182, although only five of those goals came in the last seven matches. BVB has been the strongest home team in the league, trailing only Bayern Munich in terms of points earned last season. As the season opener approaches, BVB coach Niko Kovac has set the tone for the new season, emphasizing the need to maintain last season's defensive level while also improving their attacking play.

Kovac's goal for the season is to fend off the teams that were behind them last season and establish a strong foundation for the upcoming matches. The referee for the match, Felix Zwayer, will be supported by assistant referees Robert Kempter and Nikolai Kimmeyer, as well as fourth official Felix Prigan and video assistant referee Benjamin Brand.

Fans can catch all the action through BVB's official channels, including Netradio BVB, BVB-TV, and the BVB app.