Headingley Cricket Ground, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, is one of the most iconic cricket venues in the world, renowned for its rich history and electric atmosphere. Part of the Headingley Stadium complex, it adjoins the Headingley Rugby Stadium, sharing a two-sided main stand, with its main entrance at the opposite Kirkstall Lane end. The ground is the primary home of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, the Yorkshire Vikings (T20 team), Northern Diamonds, and Northern Superchargers (The Hundred). Established in 1890, it has hosted Test cricket since 1899 and is celebrated for memorable moments like Don Bradman’s 334 in 1930 (including 309 in a single day) and Ben Stokes’ heroic 135 not out in the 2019 Ashes Test, securing an improbable England victory.
The ground’s pitch is known for aiding seam bowling, especially under cloud cover, making it a challenging venue for batsmen. Beyond cricket, Headingley has hosted concerts, such as Madness in 2015, and offers modern facilities like the Headingley Lodge Hotel and banqueting suites. Recent renovations, including floodlights (2015) and new stands (2019), ensure it remains a premier international venue.
Headingley Cricket Ground Seating Layout
Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds, with a capacity of 18,350, features a circular layout that offers diverse viewing experiences from its key stands.
- Accessible Areas: Available in East Stand, Howard Stand, North East Lower, Trueman Enclosure, and Western Terrace, with lifts and accessible toilets.
- Premium Options: Hospitality suites and private boxes in Howard Stand and Carnegie Pavilion; pitch-facing views from Headingley Lodge Hotel.
- General Admission: Most seats in Western Terrace, North East Lower, and White Rose Stand; vibrant for domestic and The Hundred matches.
Seating Capacity
Headingley has a seating capacity of 18,350, making it one of England’s larger cricket grounds. The seating is distributed across several stands, offering a range of viewing experiences:
- East Stand: Includes the East Stand Long Room, banqueting facilities, and a Multi-Faith Room, with excellent pitch views.
- Howard Stand: Offers upper and lower seating, with middle-tier seats used for hospitality packages, providing panoramic views of both cricket and rugby grounds.
- North East Lower and Trueman Enclosure: Popular for general admission, known for vibrant fan atmosphere.
- Western Terrace (Block A): A lively area, with sections A and B allowing fancy dress, contributing to the ground’s energetic vibe.
- Carnegie Pavilion: A modern facility with executive suites, new dressing rooms, and a media centre opened in 2010.
- White Rose Stand and North Stand: Part of ongoing redevelopment plans, with proposed expansions to add 915 seats and a cantilever roof.
History and Establishment
Headingley Cricket Ground was established in 1890, with the first recorded first-class match played on September 11, 1890, between Yorkshire and Kent. Initially developed by the Leeds Cricket, Football and Athletic Company, led by Lord Hawke, the ground was intended as a multi-sport venue for cricket, rugby, football, tennis, bowls, and cycling. Yorkshire County Cricket Club made Headingley its primary base in 1903, having previously used Bramall Lane in Sheffield. The club purchased the ground in 2005 for £12 million. Significant milestones include the construction of the Main Stand in 1933 (replacing one destroyed by fire in 1932) and the Headingley Carnegie Pavilion in 2010, which replaced the outdated Winter Shed and Media Centre. A £50 million redevelopment plan, initiated in 2014, has included floodlights, rebuilt stands, and plans for further expansions like a cantilever roof over the White Rose Stand.
Headingley Cricket Ground Ticket Prices
Ticket prices at Headingley vary based on the match format, seating type, and event demand. Below are indicative prices based on available information and historical trends
- International Matches (e.g., Test Matches, ODIs, T20Is):
- General Admission: Standard tickets start at around £30–£60 for adults, depending on the day and stand (e.g., Western Terrace or North East Lower). Prices increase for premium days like Day 3 of a Test match, reaching £80–£100.
- Premium Seats: Seats in the Howard Stand or East Stand Long Room can cost £80–£150, offering better views and amenities.
- Hospitality Packages: Private boxes (12-seater) and suites include sparkling wine, a two-course buffet, and complimentary drinks, starting at £199 per person. These offer VIP fast-track entry and lounge access.
- The Hundred (Northern Superchargers): Tickets for matches (e.g., vs. Welsh Fire) start at £10–£20 for adults in general admission areas like the Western Terrace. Family and group discounts are available, with children’s tickets often £5–£10. Premium seats in the Howard Stand or East Stand cost £30–£50.
- Domestic Matches (e.g., Vitality Blast, County Championship): Yorkshire Vikings T20 matches start at £15–£40 for adults, with concessions for juniors (around £5–£10) and seniors. County Championship tickets are typically £10–£20, with members receiving priority access to reserved blocks.