The Rose Bowl, also known as the Utilita Bowl for sponsorship reasons, is a prominent cricket ground and hotel complex located in West End, Hampshire, England, near Southampton. It serves as the home of Hampshire County Cricket Club, which has played there since 2001. The ground was constructed to replace the outdated County Ground in Southampton and the United Services Recreation Ground in Portsmouth, where Hampshire had played since 1885. Designed by architect Sir Michael Hopkins, the stadium features a distinctive circular amphitheater design with a three-story pavilion and a canopied roof, reminiscent of the Mound Stand at Lord’s. Its location near the M27 motorway and Telegraph Woods makes it accessible but has posed logistical challenges for spectators in the past, particularly during high-attendance events like the 2004 Champions Trophy.
The Rose Bowl has hosted a variety of cricket formats, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Notable events include the inaugural 2019–21 ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in 2021, England’s first T20I against Australia in 2005, and matches during the 2019 Cricket World Cup. The ground is renowned for its bowler-friendly pitch, which offers swing and bounce for fast bowlers and good turn for spinners, particularly in Test matches. It has also hosted domestic competitions like the County Championship, Vitality Blast, and The Hundred, as well as non-sporting events such as concerts and corporate functions. A four-star Hilton Hotel with an integrated media center, opened in 2015, enhances its versatility as a leisure destination.
Rose Bowl Seating Plan
The Utilita Bowl (formerly The Rose Bowl), Southampton, has a well-organized seating plan designed to provide optimal viewing for cricket matches and other events. Below is a detailed overview of the seating plan based on available information:
Seating Plan Overview
Stadium Layout: The Utilita Bowl is a circular amphitheater-style cricket ground with a permanent seating capacity of 15,000, expandable to 25,000 with temporary seating for major events like international matches (e.g., Test matches, ODIs, T20Is, or The Hundred). The seating is arranged to ensure good sightlines from most areas, though the majority of seats are uncovered, so spectators should prepare for weather conditions.
The seating layout is designed to provide excellent views from most areas, with no significant obstructions reported for seats above Row A in blocks like H and J. Higher rows (e.g., 8 rows up) are recommended for the best sightlines, as lower rows may have challenges picking up the ball’s trajectory.
Rose Bowl Seating Capacity
The Rose Bowl has a permanent seating capacity of 15,000, which can be expanded to 25,000 with temporary seating for major events, such as ODIs and Test matches. The addition of two new stands in recent years increased the capacity from 20,000 to 25,000, making it one of England’s largest cricket grounds. The stadium features named stands, including the Shaun Udal and Shane Warne suites in the East and West Stands, respectively, and offers wheelchair-accessible areas supported by dedicated matchday stewards. Most seats are uncovered, which spectators should note for weather planning.
Establishment and History
The Rose Bowl was established in 2001, with Hampshire County Cricket Club playing their inaugural first-class match against Worcestershire from May 9–11, 2001, winning by 124 runs. Construction began in 1997 on a site owned by Queen’s College, Oxford, chosen to accommodate international cricket and address the limitations of the cramped Northlands Road ground. Financial difficulties during construction, with costs reaching £24 million, nearly bankrupted the club until a Hampshire businessman, Rob Bransgrove, intervened. A major redevelopment starting in 2008 increased capacity and improved facilities to support Test cricket, with further upgrades, including a Hilton Hotel, completed in 2015. The ground’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its mission to become the world’s greenest cricket stadium, with over 1,000 solar panels installed recently.
Rose Bowl Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for matches at The Rose Bowl vary depending on the event, format, and seating type. As specific 2025 match schedules and ticket prices are not fully detailed in the provided information, general insights from past events and available sources are outlined below:
- International Matches (e.g., T20Is, ODIs, Tests): For high-profile matches, tickets can sell out quickly. Prices typically range from £30–£100+ depending on the match significance, seating location (e.g., premium vs. standard), and whether it’s a day or day-night game. Hospitality packages, including suite options and private boxes, can cost significantly more, often starting at £150–£300 per person for premium experiences with dining and balcony views.
- Domestic Matches (e.g., Vitality Blast, County Championship): Tickets for Hampshire’s domestic games, such as T20 Blast matches, are generally more affordable, with prices starting around £20–£50 for adults, depending on the opponent and seat location. Concessions for children, students, and seniors are often available, sometimes as low as £5–£15.
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The Hundred: For matches involving Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl, ticket prices typically start at £10–£20 for standard seats, with family and group discounts available. Wheelchair-accessible tickets and companion seats can be booked via the venue’s ticketing office.