Hampshire Cricket Claims Welcome Families Award At ECB Business Of Cricket Awards

Hampshire Cricket claimed two prizes, including the prestigious Welcome Families Award, at the 2018 Business of Cricket Awards held at Emirates Old Trafford last week.

The award, which recognises the work carried out to ensure an outstanding experience at domestic and international fixtures, as well as other family-friendly events, was presented to the Club, with judges ‘particularly impressed by efforts made to promote at family events outside of traditional cricket venues’.

As a result of several successful campaigns to deliver unforgettable family days out at the The Ageas Bowl – covering both domestic and international cricket matches, as well events such as this summer’s inaugural Outdoor Cinema and the ever-popular Fireworks Party – the Club saw a 10% increase in junior tickets purchased as well as a 136% increase in Junior Membership in 2018. A significant increase was also seen in customer experience scores as a result of survey’s commissioned by the ECB.

Hampshire were also recognised on the night for the international campaign which led to record-breaking ticket sales and attendances for this summer’s thrilling Test Match between England and India.

The campaign, which strived to grow the appeal of international cricket across the region through engaging with both new and existing fans and audiences, resulted in a 31% growth in attendance, led to more than 9,400 new supporters experiencing world-class cricket at the venue and received high commendation from the judges.

This appetite for international cricket at the The Ageas Bowl has continued ahead of next year’s One-Day International between England and Pakistan on Saturday 11^th May, with additional seating already added to cater for the overwhelming demand seen so far.

These additional tickets, as well as hospitality packages, can be purchased online via the link below, over the phone on 0844 847 1863 or in person from the The Ageas Bowl Ticketing and Membership Office during normal working hours. 

Outgoing Head Groundsman, Karl McDermott, also picked up the award for best One-Day pitch – celebrating the best playing surfaces produced throughout the 2018 Royal London One-Day Cup and Vitality Blast competitions – on the evening, sharing the accolade with Somerset’s Simon Lee.

Situated an hour or less away from London, Brighton, Portsmouth and Reading, the The Ageas Bowl is easily accessible for anyone living in the South of England. With excellent transport links from all major train stations and ferry terminals in the area, as well as a Park & Ride Scheme, it couldn’t be easier to get to and from the ground.