The Ageas Bowl firmly believes that people should have the right to demonstrate their religious beliefs and that the Ageas Bowl's role in the community should be used positively to encourage social inclusion whenever it is safe and practical to allow this to happen.
Therefore, Sikhs who have demonstrated their commitment to the faith by going through the Amrit process will be welcomed at The Ageas Bowl on match-days and at other times.
However, as the kirpan is a ceremonial dagger, The Ageas Bowl has a “duty of care” to everyone who enters the ground. Therefore, The Ageas Bowl has created a policy which respects the rights of Sikhs but also respects the rights of others and The Ageas Bowl's regulatory obligations with regard to safety.
Process for entering The Ageas Bowl wearing a kirpan:
- People wishing to wear a kirpan will be allowed to do so upon production of a “validation letter” from The Ageas Bowl. This should be shown to Stewards upon request when entering the ground. The purpose of this is to ensure people have smooth entry to The Ageas Bowl by removing the potential for embarrassment or Steward‟s acting incorrectly at the turnstiles.
- To obtain a “validation letter”, spectators must contact The Ageas Bowl in advance. The spectator will be requested to provide a certificate of baptism or letter of endorsement from their Gurdwara Sahib or other nationally recognised Sikh organisation; upon receiving this, The Ageas Bowl will issue a “validation letter”.
- People will also need to sign a disclaimer which waives the individual‟s right to make any claims against The Ageas Bowl, its servants or agents or Directors should anything happen as a result of them wearing the kirpan.
- The kirpan must be sheathed and restrained with cord in accordance with religious requirements. It must also be covered with a material scarf wrapped repeatedly around the waist.
- The kirpan must be concealed and not immediately obvious (by shape, size or visibility) at any time during the spectators time at The Ageas Bowl.
- If the kirpan is ever drawn or made visible then the individual will be asked to leave the ground and a decision will be made regarding further action.
If you require any further information please contact us at
What facilities are there for spectators arriving at The Ageas Bowl with babies and very young children?
Baby changing facilities are available within the Pavilion. Although this area is designated as being for members only, on match-days we do permit non-members requiring such facilities to utilise them. The stewards are briefed on this procedure and those situated at the doors to the Pavilion will be able to guide you more directly to the baby changing facilities within the ground. As part of the ongoing redevelopments The Ageas Bowl is looking to increase the number of baby changing facilities around the ground so that they are easily accessible to all spectators.
The Ageas Bowl does not have a designated seating area for any persons attending with a buggy. For domestic cricket matches we allow buggies to be positioned on the flat open section behind the top row of seats around the majority of the ground providing they do not obstruct an aisle or impede the exits. Aisles and exits must not be obstructed for safety reasons.
For major matches we do not permit buggies to be taken around the ground and, on arrival, guests will be requested to leave it in a designated area.
Please note that babes-in-arms under the age of 2 may be brought into the ground free of charge, provided they do not occupy a separate seat.
What if I'm in a wheelchair?
As space is restricted, a limit of one helper per wheelchair is permitted. Those wishing to purchase or enquire about wheelchair enclosure tickets should contact the Ticket Office on 0870 243 0291 where further information and help will be available.
What Items Am I Prohibited From Bringing Into the Ground?
The following articles must not be brought within the Ground - knives, fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, whistles, drums, musical instruments, flares, bottles, weapons, dangerous or hazardous items, laser devices, glass vessels, poles and any article that might be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety. Any person in possession of such items will be refused entry to the Ground.
Alcohol:
No alcohol shall be brought into the Ground at Twenty 20, International or other major matches. At domestic matches other than Twenty 20, a maximum of 4 cans of beer or equivalent or 70cl of wine may be brought into the Ground.