The County Ground, also known as Nevil Road and currently named the Seat Unique Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a historic cricket venue located in the Ashley Down area of Bristol, England. Home to Gloucestershire County Cricket Club since 1889, it is one of England’s significant county cricket grounds, steeped in history with notable performances by legends like W.G. Grace, Wally Hammond, and Tom Goddard. The ground has hosted international matches, including One-Day Internationals (ODIs), T20 Internationals, and World Cup matches (1983, 1999, 2019), as well as the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final. Known for its batsman-friendly pitch with good bounce and carry, especially under floodlights, it favors high-scoring games, particularly in T20s. The ground’s Edwardian pavilion, fringed trees, and modern facilities blend tradition with contemporary appeal, making it a cherished venue for cricket fans. Beyond cricket, it serves as a sports center with squash and tennis courts and a winter golf driving range.
Bristol County Ground Seating Plan
The County Ground in Bristol, officially known as the Seat Unique Stadium, has a seating capacity of 7,500 for domestic matches and up to 17,500 for international matches with temporary seating. Its compact layout ensures excellent proximity to the pitch, offering fans clear views from various angles. Below is a detailed overview of the seating plan layout based on available information, focusing on the main stands, their locations, and key features. The layout is tailored for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club matches, Vitality T20 Blast, One-Day Cup, and occasional international fixtures.
The seating forms a compact oval around the pitch, with the Bristol Pavilion Stand at one end, the Hammond Roof Stand at the opposite end, and the Mound Stand along one side. Temporary stands fill gaps for international matches.
Seating Capacity
The permanent seating capacity is 7,500, increasing to 8,000 with the semi-permanent Hammond Roof. For international matches, temporary seating boosts capacity to 17,500. The ground’s longer boundaries compared to other county venues add to its unique playing characteristics.
Establishment and History
The ground was established in 1889 when W.G. Grace purchased the Ashley Down Ground for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. It was sold to J.S. Fry & Sons (a confectionery firm) and renamed Fry’s Ground until the club repurchased it in 1933, reverting to its original name. In 1976, it was sold to Royal & Sun Alliance, becoming the Phoenix County Ground, then the Royal & Sun Alliance County Ground, before the club bought it back, adopting the current title. A major redevelopment in 2012-2013, approved on May 31, 2012, included a new Bristol Pavilion (opened August 2013), new stands, and permanent floodlights (installed for 2016), enhancing its status as an international venue.
Bristol County Ground Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary by match type, seating category, and demand.
County Championship: Affordable, starting at £10-£20 for standard seats
Vitality T20 Blast: General admission ranges from £15-£30, with premium seats up to £50. Family tickets and group discounts are available.
One-Day Cup/ODIs: Prices for domestic 50-over matches start at £20-£40, while international ODIs range from £40-£100+ for premium or hospitality packages.
Hospitality Packages: Include premium seating, dining, and lounge access, starting at £100+ per person