Edgbaston Cricket Ground, located in Birmingham, England, is one of the country’s premier cricket venues, renowned for its rich history, passionate atmosphere, and modern facilities.
Overview
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Established: 1882
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Seating Capacity: Approximately 25,000 spectators
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Owner & Operator: Warwickshire County Cricket Club
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Notable Teams: Warwickshire CCC, Birmingham Bears (T20), Birmingham Phoenix (The Hundred), Central Sparks (women’s cricket)
Recent Developments
Edgbaston has undergone significant upgrades, including the redevelopment of the South and West stands, completed in 2011 at a cost of £32 million. These additions introduced modern hospitality suites, media facilities, and improved spectator amenities.
Further enhancements are underway, with plans for a new 3,191-seat stand and a 146-bed four-star hotel overlooking the pitch. The hotel will feature pitch-facing balconies, a gym, restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and a roof terrace with views of Birmingham’s skyline. This development aims to generate approximately £4.3 million annually and create 65 new jobs.
Visitor Facilities
Edgbaston offers a range of amenities to enhance the spectator experience:
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Food & Drink: A variety of catering options are available, with Fordhall Farm serving as the exclusive food catering partner.
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Cashless Transactions: The stadium operates on a cashless basis; visitors should bring cards or e-wallets for purchases.
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Water Stations: Free water refill stations are available; visitors are encouraged to bring reusable bottles.
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Accessibility: The ground is equipped with accessible seating, lifts, and audio description services for visually impaired spectators.
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Transport: Regular local buses (45 and 47) connect the city centre to the ground.
Major Events Hosted
Edgbaston has been a venue for numerous significant cricket events:
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ICC Champions Trophy Final 2013: Hosted the final where Pakistan emerged victorious.
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ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Hosted several matches, including England’s first World Cup win.
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2022 Commonwealth Games: Venue for the first women’s T20 event, where Australia clinched the gold medal.
Edgbaston Stadium Seating Plan Layout
Edgbaston features five main stands:
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South Stand: Premium seating
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West Stand: Enhanced viewing angles
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Drayton Manor Family Stand: Family-friendly facilities
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Stanley Barnes Stand: Corporate hospitality suites
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Eric Hollies Stand: Traditional terrace atmosphere with a capacity of 5,000 spectators
Main Stands at Edgbaston
Seating Plan Overview
The seating plan at Edgbaston is designed to offer a range of different viewing options for spectators, depending on their preferences and budget. Here’s an overview of the different seating areas:
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Eric Hollies Stand: This is the largest stand at Edgbaston, and can accommodate up to 8,000 spectators. It offers a great view of the pitch and is often the most popular choice for fans looking for an exciting atmosphere.
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E.S. Wyatt Stand: This stand is located opposite the Eric Hollies Stand, and can seat up to 4,000 spectators. It offers a good view of the pitch and is a popular choice for families and groups.
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Priory Stand: This stand is located behind the bowler’s arm, and can seat up to 2,700 spectators. It offers an excellent view of the wicket and is a popular choice for serious cricket fans.
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South Stand: This stand is located behind the square leg boundary, and can seat up to 3,000 spectators. It offers a good view of the pitch and is often the most lively and vocal stand in the ground.
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Raglan Stand: This stand is located at the far end of the ground, and can seat up to 1,200 spectators. It offers a good view of the pitch and is a popular choice for spectators who prefer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.
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Executive Boxes and Hospitality: Edgbaston Cricket Ground also offers a range of executive boxes and hospitality packages, which provide a more luxurious and exclusive experience for spectators. These packages include access to private suites, premium seating, and food and drink options.
