The new Compton and Edrich stands are an important part of the future of the Ground, as another historic moment woven into the Home of Cricket’s rich tapestry
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Across the global game of cricket, there are few iconic vistas that can stir the soul quite like Lord’s Cricket Ground. Throughout its 206-year history, the Home of Cricket – owned by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) – has been at the heart of the game around the world, and the site for many historic moments, on both the international and the domestic front.
Lord’s is now taking another giant leap forward with the opening of the new Compton and Edrich stands this summer
The unique characteristics of Lord’s, combining charm and tradition, make it a Ground with a long and distinguished history. The Grade II*-listed Pavilion, the Long Room, the hallowed turf, the Lord’s hum – these are some of the things that make the Home of Cricket so special. It has that indefinable something, a distinctive atmosphere that descends on a small corner of north west London. And now with the new Compton and Edrich stands, Lord’s has a new luxury premium seating offering which guarantees the right to buy a ticket for a designated seat for all the unmissable matches on the cricket calendar.
From World Cup wins, to landmark personal milestones, Lord’s has played host to them all. The sport has entered an exciting new era, with the introduction of The Hundred and its first double-header men’s and women’s final at Lord’s, as well as the international scene making its way back to ‘full fitness’ after the challenges of the past 18 months.
The redeveloped stands form a significant part of MCC’s Masterplan and commitment to ensuring Lord’s remains the best place in the world at which to watch and play cricket.
The £52 million reconstruction of the Compton and Edrich stands, designed by one of the world’s leading architectural firms WilkinsonEyre, incorporate an exclusive premium seating area with breath-taking views behind the bowler’s arm. Located directly behind these seats are two dedicated restaurants with lounge style viewing areas, both offering impeccable cuisine in either a fine-dining or a more informal setting.
The two contemporary restaurants in the new stands will ensure world-class dining alongside world-class cricket at Lord’s, satisfying the appetite throughout the day’s play. Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks, the youngest man to receive the accolade when he was first bestowed with the honour in 2013, leads The Edrich restaurant, exclusive for those with premium seats only, and his contemporary menu boasts the ‘best of British flavours’.
“I’m incredibly honoured to head up the new restaurant of such an exciting development at this iconic ground,” explains Banks. “Food is such a huge part of a day at the cricket; after all, this is the only sport that still pauses for lunch and tea, which is why it’s important to create the highest quality dining experience.”
With such a diverse range of options available to spectators, premium seating at Lord’s is more accessible than ever before. Whether you’re after the full hospitality experience, or just adding an extra layer of elegance to your day at the cricket, Lord’s continues to invest in more premium seating experiences providing an excellent variety and flexibility for cricket supporters.
Few places can offer the exquisite sporting experience that the Home of Cricket now boasts
“Incredible cricket needs world-class facilities,” said MCC Chief Executive & Secretary Guy Lavender, “and we aim to continue to provide the very best facilities in world cricket and unparalleled service to all our visitors, whilst preserving the charm and character which is unique to Lord’s.”
To find out more about the range of premium seating options available please email premiumseating@lords.org or call 0207 616 8726
The new Compton and Edrich stands are an important part of the future of the Ground, as another historic moment woven into the Home of Cricket’s rich tapestry. Just as we look forward, though, Lord’s is taking the time to look back, with the unveiling of the Lord’s Father Time Wall which sits behind the new Compton stand. Cricket supporters can purchase a plaque within the wall, and have their own personal message sit alongside the 100 Greatest Milestones at Lord’s. Here, we remember three of the finest, all of which sit within the Lord’s Father Time Wall starting XI:
1. Graham Gooch hits 333 – the first triple-century at Lord’s (1990)
Gooch’s magnificent innings in the first Test against India at the start of August was remarkable not only as a stand-alone knock – it remains the highest individual score at Lord’s - but he also scored 123 in the second innings of that game, making a record aggregate score in Test Matches of 456.
The Father Time Wall
2. The Ashes Urn is bequeathed to MCC (1928)
England’s first defeat by Australia on English soil, in 1882, was such a national calamity that papers declared it the death of English cricket and said the body would be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia. The Ashes Urn was presented to England captain Hon. Ivo Bligh and his wife Florence Rose Morphy, who kept it as a cherished reminder of their romance until after Ivo’s death in 1927, when Florence bequeathed it to MCC.
3. Two World Cups won on home soil (2017 & 2019)
The buzz around the 2017 Women’s World Cup was huge, and England’s victory in the Final against India at Lord’s – with Anya Shrubsole taking 6/46 – helped to propel the women’s game to a new level when unprecedented numbers tuned in on TV and online. In 2019 the Men’s World Cup final was full of tension and grit. A tied match, a super over, an incredible two runs needed for New Zealand off the final ball – and then that throw, that stumping and that celebration. An unforgettable moment which gripped the nation. Two incredible wins, one incredible Ground - be a part of the many more memories to come.
To purchase your own Lord’s Father Time Wall plaque inscribed with a personal message visit fathertimewall.lords.org
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