Get ready for top-tier first-class cricket in Southampton as Hampshire Men take on Yorkshire Men in the Rothesay County Championship – Division 1 from Thursday 20th August to Sunday 23rd August 2026! Hosted at the world-class Utilita Bowl, this prestigious four-day encounter pits two of English cricket’s powerhouse counties against each other in a vital late-season Championship clash.
Matchday Schedule & Daily Timetable
The four-day Rothesay County Championship Division 1 encounter follows a traditional First-Class daily playing schedule at Utilita Bowl:
- Match Dates: Thursday 20th August – Sunday 23rd August 2026
- Ticket Office & Car Parks Open: 9:30 AM BST daily (90 minutes before play)
- Ground Gates Open: 10:00 AM BST daily (60 minutes before play)
- Morning Session (Play Begins): 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM BST
- Lunch Interval: 1:00 PM – 1:40 PM BST
- Afternoon Session: 1:40 PM – 3:40 PM BST
- Tea Interval: 3:40 PM – 4:00 PM BST
- Evening Session: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM BST (Stumps / Close of Play)
- Venue Location: Utilita Bowl, Botley Road, West End, Southampton (SO30 3XH)
Venue Amenities & Spectator Experience
A world-class matchday setting for long-form cricket enthusiasts:
- Seating & Views: Premium bowl seating with excellent sightlines across the ground, including the Shane Warne Stand and Rod Bransgrove Pavilion.
- On-Site Hospitality & Dining: Food concessions, bars, coffee hubs, and indoor hospitality lounges located around the concourses. Note that Utilita Bowl is a cashless venue.
- Hilton Hotel at Utilita Bowl: Located directly on site overlooking the boundary edge, featuring spa facilities and terrace viewing rooms.
- Hampshire Cricket Shop: Official store open throughout matchdays for Hampshire replica kit, leisurewear, and match accessories.
Ticket Information & Entry Guidelines
Ticketing details for County Championship matchdays:
- Hampshire Cricket Members: FREE admission to all four days of the match upon presenting a valid 2026 Membership card at the turnstiles.
- Non-Member Tickets: Individual day tickets can be purchased via the official Utilita Bowl online portal or at the Ticket Office on matchday.
- Child & Youth Discounts: Reduced-price tickets available for junior fans aged 16 and under.
- Cashless Venue: All food, drink, merchandise, and ticket transactions across the stadium are strictly contactless card-only.
How to Get to Utilita Bowl
Utilita Bowl is located in West End, easily accessible from Southampton city centre and regional transport links:
- By Car: Located just off Junction 7 of the M27 motorway. Follow brown tourist signs for Utilita Bowl along Botley Road (SatNav: SO30 3XH).
- By Train: Heghedge Railway Station is the nearest local station (approx. 1 mile away). Mainline services call at Southampton Airport Parkway and Eastleigh, where taxis and local bus connections are readily available.
- By Bus: First Bus services run regular routes connecting Southampton city centre to West End and the stadium perimeter.
Parking Information
Parking options at Utilita Bowl:
- On-Site Parking: On-site car parking is available and opens at 9:30 AM daily (90 minutes before play). Pre-booking car parking online via the venue website is strongly recommended.
- Accessible Parking: Dedicated blue badge parking spaces are located close to the main gate entrances.
- Motorbike & Drop-Off: Free motorbike parking is available near the Hampshire Wellbeing Centre. Private vehicle drop-offs and pick-ups can be conducted at the Holiday Inn Express car park on Botley Road.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Hampshire vs Yorkshire match taking place?
- The four-day Rothesay County Championship Division 1 match takes place from Thursday 20th August to Sunday 23rd August 2026, with play starting at 11:00 AM daily.
- Where is the match being played?
- The fixture is hosted at Utilita Bowl, Botley Road, West End, Southampton (SO30 3XH).
- What time do ground gates open on matchdays?
- Ground gates and turnstiles open at 10:00 AM daily, one hour prior to the start of play.
- Do Hampshire Cricket Members need to buy a ticket?
- No, 2026 Hampshire Cricket Members receive free admission to all four days upon presenting a valid membership card at the turnstiles.
- How much are tickets for non-members?
- Individual day tickets start from £5.00 when purchased in advance online, with ticket prices rising if purchased on the day of play.
- Is Utilita Bowl a cashless venue?
- Yes, all catering outlets, bars, merchandise shops, and ticket offices across Utilita Bowl operate strictly on a card and contactless payment basis.
- Can spectators bring their own food and drink?
- Spectators may bring small personal food items and non-alcoholic drinks in plastic bottles; alcohol rules and bag search restrictions apply at the turnstiles.
- What happens in the event of bad weather or rain delays?
- If play is delayed or curtailed due to rain, official ECB play conditions apply. Ticket holders should review Utilita Bowl’s rain check and refund policy for full terms.
- Where is spectator parking located?
- On-site parking is available at Utilita Bowl, opening at 9:30 AM each morning. Pre-booking car parking online prior to arrival is strongly advised.
- What train station is closest to Utilita Bowl?
- Hedge End Station is the nearest local rail station (approx. 1 mile away), while Southampton Airport Parkway and Eastleigh provide fast mainline connections and taxi options.