QPR’s opening weekend clash against Watford in 2023-24 Championship has been reversed, following agreement between both clubs.
QPR were set to host Watford at home at Loftus Road on Saturday 5 August in a 3pm BST kick-off on the opening weekend of the 2023-24 Sky Bet Championship season, but the fixture has been reversed following agreement between both clubs due to pitch repairs at QPR’s home stadium.
Gareth Ainsworth’s Hoops will now instead face Watford away at Vicarage Road on the same date and at the same time, with the reverse fixture on weekend of 12-15 January 2024 now taking place at Loftus Road – which was the original date of their clash at Vicarage Road.
QPR CEO, Lee Hoos explained that the club “are hugely grateful to Watford and the EFL for their support and swift action with this matter.”
Hoos proceeded to explain that the pitch surface had reached the end of its ten-year lifespan at conclusion of last season, which meant that further work was required during the off-season and that the club consequently requested an away game on the opening weekend.
Explaining why the away fixture request wasn’t granted, Hoos commented: “We did initially request an away fixture for the opening day but this was not deemed possible due to a conflicting policing request, which had to take precedence. This issue has now been overcome.”
Hoos also discussed the process of maintaining the pitch and importance of rest as he continued: “Every day counts for the pitch and not just in terms of the first game. The additional few days of rest makes a significant difference to the long-term health of the surface.”
This fixture switch also means that QPR will play a minimum of four matches at home in January, although this could further extend to seven matches depending upon progress in cup competitions.
Allaying any fears over the pitch wear during January with up to seven home games that month, Hoos said: “This point was discussed with our groundsman who told us the additional wear in January would be less impactful than playing on the surface on the opening day of the season.”
| Date | Match | Time (BST) |
| Friday 4 August | Sheffield Wednesday v Southampton | 8pm |
| Saturday 5 August | Blackburn v West Brom | 3pm |
| Saturday 5 August | Bristol City v Preston | 3pm |
| Saturday 5 August | Middlesbrough v Millwall | 3pm |
| Saturday 5 August | Norwich v Hull | 3pm |
| Saturday 5 August | Plymouth v Huddersfield | 3pm |
| Saturday 5 August | Stoke v Rotherham | 3pm |
| Saturday 5 August | Swansea v Birmingham | 3pm |
| Saturday 5 August | Watford v QPR | 3pm |
| Sunday 6 August | Leicester v Coventry | 12pm |
| Sunday 6 August | Leeds v Cardiff | 2:30pm |
| Sunday 6 August | Sunderland v Ipswich | 5pm |