Rookery Remembers: Help Us Celebrate 30th Anniversary Of Stand Opening

As we approach the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Rookery Stand, we’re inviting Hornets fans to help join the celebrations.

The Rookery – initially referred to as the South Stand – was first opened to supporters in its current form for a match against Bristol City on April 22, 1995.

Kevin Phillips was on target in a 1-0 win, with Season Ticket holders given the chance to watch from the new 6,960-seater that took 10 months to build at a cost of £1.6 million.

Since then it’s replaced the Vicarage Road Stand as the Watford fans’ home end and in recent years it has housed The 1881, a singing section that has worked hard to bring a more vibrant atmosphere to matchdays.

Many a memorable moment has taken place in front of the Rookery since its opening – Allan Smart’s Chelsea winner, Stephen Glass’ stunning FA Cup quarter-final free-kick and Ismaïla Sarr’s demolition of 44-game unbeaten Liverpool to name just a few.

And who could ever forget the Troy Deeney play-off semi-final goal that’s now known to football fans worldwide?

To mark the 30th anniversary, we’re inviting supporters to let us know your favourite memories of following the Hornets from the Rookery. It could be an amazing moment that took place on the pitch, but we’re also keen to hear your personal anecdotes – perhaps you met a lifelong friend or partner in the stand? Or you may have missed a significant family occasion in order to take your seat for a memorable matchday?

We’ll invite some of the best fan submissions to come and tell their stories to camera for a video being produced to mark the anniversary.

All supporters chosen to take part in the video will receive a Watford shirt signed by the first-team squad, while one lucky supporter who submits a memory will be selected at random to win a free 2025/26 Season Ticket!

To tell us your Rookery memory, please complete the form below by Friday April 4.