SOUTHAMPTON: GROUND & SPECTATOR GUIDE

Established: 2001

The home of Hampshire for nearly 20 years, the Utilita Rose Bowl is an out-of-town venue situated just off the M27 on the outskirts of Southampton.

During its short lifespan it has won the right to host England in T20, ODI and Test cricket and in 2019 played host to five group-stage matches in the World Cup.

HISTORY

The Ageas Bowl was built specifically as Hampshire's new home at the turn of the century.

Hampshire relocated from their old County Ground venue in Southampton, which they had inhabited since 1885, in 2001.

Initially known as the Rose Bowl, it changed name on sponsorship grounds in 2012, four years after undergoing subsantial redevelopment to make it suitable for international cricket.

A four-star Hilton hotel was added at one end of the stadium in 2015.

In 2005, the Ageas Bowl played host to the first men's T20 international played by England, who beat Australia, while the second T20 match ever to take place in professional cricket was staged by the venue in 2003 when Hampshire played Sussex in the inaugural Twenty20 Cup.

During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the Ageas Bowl played host to the first fully biosecure sporting event as England played West Indies behind closed doors.

^{Action from the Rose Bowl's first Twenty20 Cup game - Hampshire vs Sussex - in 2003}

FAMOUS MOMENT

England played their first ever T20 international at the Ageas Bowl in 2005, with Australia the visitors, and it was a memorable occasion for the home team.

Batting first, England made 179 for 8 with Paul Collingwood hitting 46 and Marcus Trescothick 41 before the hosts ripped through their guests with the ball.

Jon Lewis claimed 4-24 and Darren Gough 3-16 as the Aussies capitulated to 79 all out, handing England a 100-run victory.

^{Jon Lewis claimed four wickets as Australia were skittled for 79 in 2005}

HOW TO GET THERE

Address: Ageas Bowl, Botley Road, West End, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 3XH

By car: The Ageas Bowl is just 1.2 miles from the M27, Junction 7. When exiting the motorway, follow signs for the Ageas Bowl.

There is parking at the ground on matchdays, though it is always worth checking the club's website for details for specific matches.

By train: Southampton Airport Parkway is the main rail station for the Ageas Bowl and has good links to London and the Southwest. On major matchdays there is a free shuttle from the station to the ground which takes approximately 15 minutes.

Southampton Airport Parkway is approximately 3.5 miles from the ground and services the Waterloo to Weymouth South Western Railway line.

The Xelabus X4 bus service links Southampton Airport Parkway station with the Ageas Bowl.

The bus stop can be found directly outside the entrance to the station building on platform one and drops off at Moorgreen Hospital bus stop on Botley Road.

For more information, click here or telephone 02380 644715.

Spectators arriving from Portsmouth and the south east are advised to use Hedge End station where a free shuttle runs direct to the ground.

Hedge End train station is less than two miles away, approximately a 35-minute walk.

First Bus No. 8 service connects the ground with Hedge End train station, Southampton Civic Centre or Southampton City Centre.

To view a timetable for this service, click here or telephone 08712 002 233.

WHERE TO EAT

Beefy's

Attached to the Hilton hotel, traditional British grub

Botley Rd, West End, Southampton SO30 3XH

Website

The Southampton Arms

A traditional pub with a basic menu and sport on TV, plus a large beer garden and a kids' play area

89 Moorgreen Rd, West End, Southampton SO30 2HG

Website

Jewels

Smart modern restaurant offering classic Indian cuisine and an all-you-can-eat evening buffet

SO18 3RA

Website

A nearby retail park offers a Burger King, McDonalds and Pizza Hut but the location of the Ageas Bowl does not invite itself to pre or post-match meals. You will be better served looking for a restaurant in Southampton.