The club with a long past was formed under its present name in 1966, when it was then part of East Germany. They went on to enjoy successes in the top division of the former East Germany league. The reunification of Germany resulted in the club moving between the second and third tier of league football. However, they have remained a stable second division club since 2009. Their biggest success happened in 2001 when they beat Shalke in the German cup final with a 2-0 scoreline. 

Union Berlin play their home matches at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. Several events are held at the stadium located in the German capital city. Union Berlin and its predecessor have used this stadium since 1920. The team have a famous band of enthusiastic supporters, and the team have been staying at the same hotel as Videoton in Spain. There are around 80-100 German supporters that have followed their side on this pre-season trip, being present at each of their training sessions. They greet their players with a a large round of applause and Sunday's friendly game looks likely to be played in a good atmosphere.

The overall value of the team is regarded to be around the 17 million euro figure. Their most valuable player is 33 year old Austrian Emanuel Pogatetz.