The Kennington Oval, commonly known as The Oval and currently named the Kia Oval for sponsorship reasons, is an iconic cricket ground located in Kennington, in the London Borough of Lambeth, South London. Established in 1845, it is one of the world’s most historic cricket venues and the home of Surrey County Cricket Club. It holds the distinction of hosting England’s first international Test match in 1880 against Australia and is traditionally the venue for the final Test match of the English cricket season. Beyond cricket, The Oval has a rich history of hosting other sports, including the first-ever FA Cup final in 1872, early international football matches, and rugby matches. Its distinctive Victorian gasometer, a landmark visible from the ground, adds to its historic charm. The Oval is renowned for its balanced pitch, hosting various formats like Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20s, and has also served as a venue for concerts and events featuring artists like Bon Jovi and The Rolling Stones.
Kennington Oval Seating Plan
The Oval’s seating is arranged in a roughly oval shape around the pitch, with the following orientation:
- Pavilion End: Pavilion Stand and adjacent areas, offering views from behind the bowler’s arm.
- Vauxhall End: M.A.R. Galadari Stand, ideal for opposite-end bowler’s arm views.
- Sides: JM Finn Stand (west) and SSE Energy Solutions Stand (east) provide side-on views (midwicket, cover, point).
- Upper vs. Lower Tiers: Most stands have multiple tiers, with upper tiers offering broader views and lower tiers providing closer proximity to the action.
- Blocks: Stands are divided into numbered blocks (e.g., JM Finn Stand Blocks 1-19), with specific blocks allocated for accessibility, families, or premium seating.
Seating Capacity
The Oval’s current seating capacity is approximately 27,500, following a series of redevelopments. The most recent, the “One Oval Square” project, added a three-tier stand with 7,500 seats, completed in June 2021 and renamed the M.A.R. Galadari Stand. Surrey County Cricket Club has plans for a £50 million redevelopment to increase capacity to 40,000, aiming to make The Oval the largest cricket stadium in the Western Hemisphere.
Establishment and History
The Oval was established in 1845 when the site, previously a cabbage patch and market garden owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, was leased to the Montpelier Cricket Club for conversion into a cricket ground. The first lease was issued on March 10, 1845, to William Houghton, with 10,000 grass turfs from Tooting Common laid in spring 1845, enabling the first cricket match in May of that year. Surrey County Cricket Club was also founded in 1845 and has called The Oval home ever since.
Owner and Operators
- Owner: The Duchy of Cornwall, with the current landlord being the Prince of Wales (the heir to the British throne), owns the land. The Duchy leased it for cricket purposes, and this arrangement continues to this day.
- Operators: Surrey County Cricket Club operates the ground, managing cricket matches, events, and facilities. The club has been responsible for its development and maintenance since its establishment.
Kia Oval Facilities for Visitors
The Oval offers a range of modern facilities to enhance the visitor experience:
- Seating: Includes premium padded seats in the JM Finn Stand and Pavilion Stand, with over 25 executive boxes for private groups of 10-15 guests. Accessible seating exceeds minimum requirements, with designated areas for mobility-impaired visitors, wheelchair access, and raised-print signage for the visually impaired. Guide dogs are permitted, and induction loops are available for those with hearing impairments.
- Food and Drink: Visitors can bring food and, on certain match days (e.g., County Championship), limited alcohol (four 500ml cans of beer/lager or a 750ml plastic wine container). On major match days (Test matches, ODIs, Vitality Blast, The Hundred), alcohol importation is banned. On-site options include the Surrey Tavern (serving beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks), eat-in/takeaway cafés offering British classics like pies and fish and chips, and the exclusive 175 Suite restaurant for Surrey CCC members, providing a three-course menu with pitch views.
- Other Amenities: A club shop in the SSE Energy Solutions Stand, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities (behind Blocks 1, 13, and 19 of the JM Finn Stand), and water fountains for reusable bottles. The ground is cashless, and visitors can bring empty refillable water bottles. Bike racks are available at Hobbs Gate and Alec Stewart Gate.
- Accessibility: Blue Badge parking is available (booked four weeks in advance via accessibility@surreycricket.com), with dropped kerbs at entrances and assistance from stewards. The ground uses what3words for precise location navigation (e.g., gates, ticket office). A dedicated Accessibility Liaison Officer (Theresa Peters) assists via accessibility@kiaoval.com or 0203 946 0100.
- Tours: 90-minute guided tours cover the outfield, commentary box, Members Pavilion, Committee Room, and Club Museum, ending with tea/coffee overlooking the ground. Tours cost £20 for adults, £5 for under-16s, with family tickets available.
- Sustainability: The Oval promotes eco-friendly practices, encouraging reusable containers and proper recycling, with a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
- Events and Hospitality: The ground hosts conferences, events, and hospitality with new catering, bar facilities, and rooftop terraces. VIP packages include premium seats, lounge access, fast-track entry, and complimentary food/drinks.
Kennington Oval Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary based on match type, seating category, and demand:
- General Matches: Prices differ for Test matches, ODIs, T20s, and county games. For high-demand fixtures like Ashes Tests or World Test Championship finals, early booking is recommended. Prices are not fixed but typically range from affordable for county matches to premium for international games.
- International Matches: For example, the 2023 World Test Championship final (India vs. Australia) saw high demand, with prices varying by stand and day. Premium seats in the JM Finn or Pavilion Stands are pricier, while general admission is more affordable.
- Booking: Tickets are available online via the Kia Oval’s official website or authorized partners, with some available at stadium ticket counters. Family/group discounts and refund/exchange options are offered. Wheelchair/accessibility tickets can be booked via 0203 946 0100.
- Tours: As noted, tours cost £20 (adults) and £5 (under-16s).
- Hospitality Packages: VIP packages with premium seats, private boxes, and dining start at higher price points.