Cricket fans are in for a thrilling end-of-season first-class fixture as Hampshire face off against south coast rivals Sussex in the Rothesay County Championship at the Utilita Bowl from Thursday 24th September to Sunday 27th September 2026! As the four-day red-ball season reaches its crucial climax, both counties will battle for vital Championship points in Southampton. With adult ticket prices starting from just £5.00 and family-friendly ‘Kids Go Free’ initiatives across select days, it offers an outstanding day out for sports enthusiasts across Hampshire.
Rothesay County Championship Match Schedule & Timings
Daily match schedule and gate opening times at Utilita Bowl:
- Match Dates: Thursday 24th September – Sunday 27th September 2026 (4-day first-class fixture).
- Daily Gate Opening Times: Gates open at 9:30 AM daily.
- Hours of Play: First session begins at 10:30 AM, with play continuing through to the scheduled close around 5:30 PM (subject to overs and weather conditions).
Match Highlights & Venue Experience
Cricket action, food facilities, and family activities on matchdays:
- South Coast Derby Action: Watch Hampshire take on regional rivals Sussex in the final round of red-ball County Championship action for the 2026 season.
- Family & Youth Offers: Special ‘Kids Go Free’ promotions available across select matchdays, making elite county cricket accessible for young fans.
- Stadium Facilities: Enjoy wide-ranging food stands, bars, merchandise outlets, and family leisure zones across the ground.
- Hilton Hotel & Spa: The venue features an integrated 4-star hotel, restaurant, and eforea spa overlooking the outfield.
Ticket Information & Box Office Booking
Pricing and reservation options for Utilita Bowl:
- Daily General Admission: Standard adult day passes start from £5.00 per person when booked in advance online.
- Under-17 Admission: Free entry or discounted youth tickets available depending on promotional ticket allocations.
- Direct Booking: Reserve ground entry passes and premium hospitality packages directly via the official Utilita Bowl ticketing portal.
How to Get to Utilita Bowl
Travel options for reaching Botley Road, West End (SO30 3XH):
- By Car: Located just off Junction 7 of the M27 motorway. Follow clear event signage directly into the ground entrance.
- By Train: The nearest railway stations are Hedge End (2 miles) and Southampton Airport Parkway (3.5 miles), with local bus and taxi links available.
- By Bus: Local First Bus services stop within walking distance along Botley Road and Marshall Drive.
Utilita Bowl Parking Information
On-site and off-site spectator parking options:
- On-Site Stadium Parking: Pre-booked on-site car parking is available directly at the venue for pass holders and ticketholders.
- Park & Ride / Walk Options: Designated matchday overflow car parks operate nearby with shuttle bus connections or short walking routes to the main gates.
- Accessible Parking: Dedicated Blue Badge parking bays are available close to main pavilion entrances (advance booking recommended).
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things happening across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover live sports, county cricket matches, outdoor events, and venue listings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Hampshire taking on Sussex at Utilita Bowl?
- The Rothesay County Championship match takes place across four days from Thursday 24th September to Sunday 27th September 2026. Gates open daily at 9:30 AM, with play starting at 10:30 AM.
- Where is Utilita Bowl located?
- Utilita Bowl is located on Botley Road, West End, Southampton (SO30 3XH), near Junction 7 of the M27 motorway.
- How much are tickets for the match?
- Standard adult day tickets start from £5.00 when purchased in advance online, with special family promotions including ‘Kids Go Free’ offers available across select matchdays.
- Are children allowed, and do they need a ticket?
- Yes, children under 17 can take advantage of the ‘Kids Go Free’ ticket promotions, though a free under-17 pass must still be claimed online during checkout.
- Is parking available at Utilita Bowl?
- Yes, on-site car parking is available and must be pre-booked online in advance. Dedicated accessible Blue Badge parking spaces are also available near the main pavilion entrances.