Background
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim can trace its roots right back to 1899, when a gymnastics and sports club called Turnverein Hoffenheim was founded. The club we know now was set up in 1945 when this club merged with local football team, Fußballverein Hoffenheim.  It took on the name Turn- und Sportgemeinschaft 1899 Hoffenheim.

Hoffenheim is an unusual location for  a top-tier football club.  It is a village with a population of just over 3000 on the outskirts of a slightly larger town called Sinsheim.
And indeed for most of its history the club played in lower amateur leagues.  This all changed in 2000 when a wealthy local businessman, Dieter Hopp, decided to invest some of his considerable fortune in the club. Thanks to Hopp’s financial support the club was able to progress steadily through the leagues. By 2007 Hoffenheim had reached the 2 Bundesliga and despite an unpromising start to the season the club secured promotion to the Bundesliga. They have remained in the top flight since then.

Criticism
There is some controversy around Hoffenheim in Germany.   People say the club lacks ‘tradition’ and a proper fan base, and that its success is solely down to the investment of one wealthy backer.  Traditionalists also claim that Dieter Hopp’s involvement in the club violates the 51% rule which specifies that no single individual should have a controlling interest in a club.

Stadium
Hoffenheim play in the brand new Rhein Neckar Arena, which has a capacity of 30150.  You can’t use cash to buy things inside the ground.  Instead you need to use an achtzehn99-Card  which you can buy when you arrive.  You can then return the card after the game and reclaim any unspent money.

Tickets
You can buy tickets online. Standing tickets are 18.00 euros and you will pay between 29.00 and 55.00 euros for a seat.  Your ticket entitles you to free travel on public transport to and from the game.

How to get there
The simplest starting point is probably Heidelberg (a beautiful city which is well worth a visit in its own right).  You take the S5 train towards Eppingham and get out at Sinsheim Museum/Arena.  You then have a 20 minute walk to the ground.

Colours : blue and white

Local rivals : VfB Stuttgart