Hansa Rostock to Outnumber Home Fans at Watford Friendly with 6,000 Away Tickets Sold

Crazy! In Hansa's first game in England, the hosts will be outnumbered in their own stadium. Hansa Rostock plays on Saturday against second-division side Watford FC – and is already producing extraordinary numbers before kickoff.

6,000 away tickets were sold out within hours. The hosts are currently expecting only around 2,000 home fans. That means: Officially, Hansa is playing away – but in the stands, it could feel very different.

Hansa Takes Over Vicarage Road

The numbers speak for themselves. While thousands of Hansa fans plan their trip to the island, demand on the home side remains significantly lower. An unusual sight for Vicarage Road, which holds more than 22,000 spectators and is normally firmly in the hands of the "Hornets."

For many Hansa fans, the match is already more than just a test game. For the first time, the Kogge will take the field on English soil. For thousands of supporters, the trip becomes a special weekend in the motherland of football.

Why? Because Hansa has never played a game in England in its club history. Coach Daniel Brinkmann says: "I am firmly convinced that it will be impressive."

Watford Prepares for Fan Onslaught

The English side is already preparing for the blue-and-white entourage. Starting at 10 a.m., Watford will set up a fan zone in front of the away block for the Rostock supporters. The game is also drawing attention off the pitch. Even Watford's mayor, Peter Taylor, is monitoring the preparations. He told the Observer:

"We are in close contact with the club and the police to ensure our community is safe on match days – and that has been the case in the lead-up to this game as well."

Coach Daniel Brinkmann wants to give as many players as possible playing time. Photo: picture alliance/INSIDE-PICTURE

Brinkmann Takes Full Squad

The match is also especially important for Hansa. "International against an English club. That will certainly be special. There's not much more you can ask for in preseason," says Brinkmann. To ensure as many professionals as possible can experience this, the entire 29-man squad is set to make the trip.

Preparation began with a training session on the beach. On Friday, the team departs from Rostock for England at 3 p.m. The return to the Baltic Sea is planned for Sunday.

For many of the 6,000 traveling fans, the weekend will be unforgettable. They accompany their club to where football was invented – and experience a premiere that generations of Hansa fans have been waiting for.