The Riverside Ground, currently known as Banks Homes Riverside for sponsorship reasons, is a prominent cricket venue in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, England. It is the home of Durham County Cricket Club and has hosted international matches since 1999. Established in 1995, it became the first new Test match venue in England since 1902 when it hosted a Test against Zimbabwe in 2003. Located by the River Wear with a scenic backdrop of Lumley Castle, the ground is known for its intimate setting, allowing fans to feel close to the action. It has hosted Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), T20 Internationals, and World Cup matches (1999, 2019), as well as concerts by artists like The Who. The ground’s northernmost position among Test venues adds to its unique character, though its open design can expose spectators to cold weather.
Riverside Ground Seating Plan
The seating forms a compact oval around the pitch, with the County Durham Stand and Don Robson Pavilion anchoring the two ends (Lumley End and Finchale End, respectively). The North East Terrace and Finchale Stand flank the sides, with temporary seating filling gaps for major events.
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County Stand: This stand is located on the western side of the ground and is one of the main seating areas for spectators.
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North East Terrace: Situated behind the bowler’s arm at the Finchale End, this terrace offers a unique vantage point for watching the game.
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South West Terrace: Located behind the bowler’s arm at the Lumley End, this terrace provides another excellent viewing position.
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Don Robson Pavilion: This stand is positioned behind the bowler’s arm at the Finchale End and offers premium seating options.
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Lumley End: The Lumley End is one of the key stands at the ground, and there are plans to replace the existing seating with a new permanent two-tier seating block to enhance the spectator experience.
Seating Capacity
The Riverside Ground has a capacity of 5,000 for domestic matches and 17,000 for international matches, including temporary seating. The intimate layout ensures good views from most seats, though the stands are relatively low, with only the top rows of the County Durham Stand (Blocks 1-4) offering cover.
Riverside Ground Establishment and History
Construction began in 1990 to meet the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) condition for Durham’s entry into first-class cricket in 1991. The outfield and playing surface were developed in 1993, and the ground was ready for its first match, Durham vs. Warwickshire, on May 18, 1995. Many facilities were initially temporary, with phased developments, including the Don Robson Pavilion, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1996. Permanent floodlights and additional seating were added in 2008.
Owner and Operators
- Owner: Durham County Cricket Club owns and manages the ground, with the land leased for cricket purposes. Specific ownership details of the land are not publicly specified, but the club oversees all operations.
- Operators: Durham County Cricket Club operates the venue, handling cricket matches, events, and facilities. The club has secured sponsorships, such as with Banks Homes (current naming rights partner) and previously Emirates and Seat Unique, to support development and operations.
Riverside Ground Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary by match type, seating area, and event:
- Domestic Matches: County Championship tickets are generally affordable, starting at lower price points (exact prices not specified but typically budget-friendly).
- International Matches: Prices for ODIs and T20Is (e.g., England vs. West Indies T20 on June 6, 2025, or England Women vs. India ODI on July 22, 2025) are higher, especially for premium seats. For the 2019 World Cup, tickets were in high demand, with prices varying by stand and match significance.