The Utilita Bowl
The Home of Hampshire Cricket
The Utilita Bowl, formerly the ‘Rose Bowl’, is the home of Hampshire CCC, as well as having hosted a number of England ODIs, IT20s and Test Matches. The ground is one of the most popular in England for fans and players alike, having gone through huge upgrades in 2008.  The venue has hosted Hampshire since 1885, making it one of the oldest cricket grounds in the country.
The Utilita Bowl, is one of the favourites in English cricket. Fans and players alike love the facilities there and are well accustomed to them after over a decade of international cricket on display.
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Utilita Bowl Cricket Ground Hospitality
In 2024, England Cricket team will face Australia in their 1st Vitality IT20. Enjoy the very best hospitality with our Utilita Bowl VIP tickets and packages. Discover all of the options available to you and your clients by clicking the button below.
In September 2024, cricket fans can expect a fierce clash as England prepare to face Australia in their 1st Vitality IT20. Make the most of your experience with our best Utilita Bowl hospitality packages and discover all of the options available below.
Utilita Bowl Hospitality
Discover More About Utilita Bowl Cricket Ground
Prior to being able to host test matches, the Utilita Bowl had to undergo a redevelopment process in 2008. Prior to this, the ground only had a permanent seating capacity of 6,500, but temporary erections would increase this to 15,000 for major matches. Now, the permanent capacity is 15,000 and increases to 25,000 for the bigger matches.
As well as hosting Hampshire CCC, the ground has also been home to a number of England internationals. ODIs have been held at the ground since 2003, and international test matches since 2011. It has also hosted a number of Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) since 2005 – most notably England’s first T20 international, where they beat Australia by 100 runs.
In 2019, the Utilita Bowl hosted games in the Cricket World Cup, featuring England, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, South Africa and the West Indies.
Annually, the Bowl is home to one of the biggest Bonfire Night fireworks displays in the UK. Each year this attracts thousands to the area.
It has also a served as a fantastic location for many large scale music concerts. Oasis, Billy Joel, The Who, Neil Diamond, REM, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams and Little Mix have all performed sets at the Utilita Bowl. Oasis hold the attendance record at the venue, with over 35,000 people in the stands and on the pitch making their way to see the concert.
Travelling to Utilita Bowl
Please use the map provided by Google for further information.
How do I get to Utilita Bowl Cricket Ground by Car?
The Utilita Bowl is located just over a mile away from Junction 7 on the M27. It is advised that when you exit the M27 motorway that you follow the signs to get to the ground.
As for parking, there are two major car parks that you will be able to see signs for on the way to the venue.
How do I get to Utilita Bowl Cricket Ground by Train?
The Hedge End Train Station (South Western Railway, Portsmouth Solent Line) is the closest to the ground and it is only 2 miles away. The walk to the ground would take approximately 35 minutes. Services are regularly run to and from the station. Southampton Airport Parkway Station is also near the ground with around 3.5 miles between itself and Utilita Bowl.
How do I get to Utilita Bowl Cricket Ground by Bus?
The number 8 service is available to use and it is easily found at Hedge End Train Station, Southampton City Centre and Southampton’s Civic centre. The route will go directly to The Utilita Bowl Cricket Ground.
Another convenient option is the Xelabus X4. The bus service runs from just outside the entrance to the Southampton Airport Parkway station (Platform 1) and it goes directly to The Utilita Bowl Cricket Ground.
Utilita Bowl FAQs
How can I make payments at The Utilita Bowl?
The Utilita Bowl and its vendors operate on a cashless basis. No cash will be accepted for purchases.
Am I able to bring alcohol into the ground?
No, for Vitality Blast and International matches and other cricket events, alcohol cannot be brought into the ground with you.
Are guide dogs allowed into the Utilita Bowl?
Yes, guide dogs are allowed into the ground.
What times does the Utilita Bowl open?
For International matches, gates will open 2 hours before play starts with car parks opening 3 hours before play begins. As for Vitality Blast matches, gates will open 90 minutes ahead of the start of play, with car parks opening 2 and a half hours before play begins.
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