With Watford Football Club continuing to enjoy improved on-pitch results, it was felt the time was right to make some improvements to their Vicarage Road Stadium home. With supporters expecting more from their match-day experience, the club wanted to ensure the environment was as welcoming as possible by adding Watford-themed décor to walls and surfaces throughout the stadium complex.
Football now attracts a hugely diverse range of spectators, and with a hard-earned reputation as one of the most welcoming clubs in professional sport, Watford regularly plays host to the full spectrum. From corporate guests to families, everyone is catered for, with specific sections of the stadium set aside for each type of visitor.
The areas identified for updating varied. Some were internal walls, some were external. Some were plastered with smooth surfaces; others were exposed brick. The requirements were wide-ranging, but the goal was simple: Ensure the walls and surfaces at Vicarage Road are fit for the Premier League.
Corporate Hospitality Areas – Internal Application of Digital Wallpaper
The corporate hospitality areas are located inside the stadium, with several lounges and executive boxes hosting guests each week. It was agreed that digital wallpaper would be the ideal choice for these areas.
Having been founded in 1881, Watford can boast a wealth of history, and it was this that the club wanted to bring to life on the walls of the hospitality areas. The club supplied a range of images depicting memorable moments, which were printed at full floor-to-ceiling size.
Digital wallpaper is a versatile and durable product that can be printed in full colour. It is hard-wearing, making it suitable for high-traffic locations, and the paste-free installation process means it can be fitted with the minimum of disruption.
Family Areas – External Application of specialist Brick Vinyl
Watford has a dedicated stand for families, which on match days hosts thousands of young children and their parents. The football club wanted to give the stand a clear family feel and hoped to do so by decorating the brick walls at the entrance and throughout the concourse.
Brick vinyl is a specialist film that can be printed and applied directly to brick walls. The application process involves slowly heating the film and working it into the brickwork, with the film fitting perfectly to the wall's natural contours.
For these walls, the club supplied a series of bespoke graphics, featuring family-themed designs. These included playful images of the club mascot, as well as interactive elements such as height charts. The product's durability made it suitable for continued, tactile use.
Once fitted, the brick vinyl takes on the appearance of being part of the wall, making the stand a bright, vibrant, and welcoming place, giving a professional finish whilst perfectly recreating an ambience and appearance that appeals to Watford’s younger supporters.
Project Management by The Window Film Company
The project spanned several weeks, with a strict deadline set by the club's fixture list. The initial consultation took place at the club, with representatives from The Window Film Company visiting the areas in question and providing advice on potential products. The opportunity was also used to take measurements, enabling the preparation of an accurate quote.
Using artwork supplied by the club, The Window Film Company printed samples of the suggested materials, allowing club representatives to see how the designs would appear in print. With materials and costs agreed, each artwork piece was reviewed by the in-house print team, and proofs were provided for approval. With artwork agreed, installation dates were planned, with the operations team liaising directly with Watford Football Club to identify suitable dates.
The range of fitted films has enhanced the aesthetic in each area of the stadium, making each location appear professional and welcoming. The right product selection and high-quality printing bring life and energy to areas of the stadium that might otherwise have been overlooked.
Key Facts:
• Decorative solution required for various surfaces.
• Range of materials used, including specialist brick vinyl.
• Full colour print.
• Floor to ceiling print.
• Application to both internal and external surfaces.
• Job carried out to a strict deadline.
