The 2016/17 season was a year full of emotions for Holstein Kiel, destined to go down in the club's history. Under the management of Markus Anfang, the Störche displayed an impressive performance in the 3. Liga, culminating in a dramatic finish. The pinnacle of this journey was the decisive match against VfL Osnabrück, played in front of a home crowd at the Stadion an der Förde.

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as fans cheered in their team's red and blue colors. Holstein Kiel knew that a victory against Osnabrück would secure their promotion to the 2. Bundesliga. The first 45 minutes were marked by nervousness, but the Störche held their nerve and went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, the team displayed remarkable determination. With another goal, they set the course for promotion, and the fans began to dream of a return to the second tier. When the final whistle blew, jubilation erupted in the stadium, sending the city of Kiel into celebrations that lasted for days.

The significance of this promotion cannot be overstated. It was not just a sporting success but also a testament to the dedication and fighting spirit of the team. The promotion opened a new chapter in the club's history, laying the foundation for future successes. The Störche had not only progressed in sporting terms, but they had also forged a strong bond with their fans.

In the years that followed, Holstein Kiel experienced many ups and downs in the 2. Bundesliga, but the promotion of 2017 remains an unforgettable moment that shapes the club's DNA. The memories of that season, the passion of the fans, and the unforgettable matches will forever be part of the Störche's identity.