Hansa Rostock Friendly: FAQs
Watford F.C. men’s team will welcome German third-tier side FC Hansa Rostock to Vicarage Road Stadium on Saturday 25 July 2026 for an international pre-season football fixture, kicking off at 2:00pm.
As the German visitors’ football club will be celebrating their 60th anniversary and their first-ever international fixture, visiting support will be sizeable with more than 6,000 away fans expected. Visiting supporters are likely to spend time in Watford Town Centre before and after the match, and some visitors may also be staying in the local area across the wider weekend.
Given this unique occasion for Watford Town Centre, we have decided to share all of the information that we are able to confirm ahead of the fixture.
A positive opportunity for Watford Town Centre
The fixture has the potential to generate additional footfall and trade for businesses throughout the town centre, including shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs, hotels, leisure venues and other local services.
Businesses are encouraged to consider how they can make the most of the occasion. This could include reviewing staffing and stock levels, publicising opening hours, promoting relevant offers and ensuring visitors receive a warm Watford welcome ahead of their 60th anniversary celebrations. Any promotions or changes to trading arrangements should, of course, remain within your usual licensing and operational requirements.
Preparing for a busier town centre
Watford F.C., Hertfordshire Constabulary and local partners have been working together at length in preparation for this international pre-season friendly, with the aim of ensuring that residents, businesses and supporters can enjoy the day safely.
There will be an increased policing presence in Watford on Saturday 25 July 2026. Businesses should also be prepared for busier streets, public transport and licensed premises – particularly from late morning until kick-off and following the final whistle at approximately 4:00pm. There may be some temporary congestion or disruption as supporters travel between the town centre, railway stations and Vicarage Road. The additional police presence is considered to be customary for an event of this nature, and forms part of the coordinated planning for this occasion.
As is always the case on matchdays, if you have any concerns on the day or witness anything suspicious, please speak to a police officer or an appropriate member of club staff. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Keep in touch
We have been informed that further information and answers to frequently asked questions will be available via the Watford F.C. website ahead of the fixture. Please avoid sharing unverified information and ensure you refer to accredited updates such as from ourselves, Watford F.C., Hertfordshire Constabulary and Watford Borough Council.
If you have any questions ahead of the event, please let us know and we will contact the appropriate stakeholder so that we can provide you with as clear an answer as possible.
We hope businesses across Watford Town Centre enjoy a positive and successful trading day and take advantage of the additional visitors that this fixture is expected to bring!