Get ready for top-tier first-class cricket action as Hampshire host Warwickshire at the Utilita Bowl from Wednesday 2nd September to Saturday 5th September 2026! This key four-day Vitality County Championship fixture sees two of county cricket’s powerhouse sides battle it out in West End, Southampton, for vital championship points as the domestic season enters its crucial final stretch.
Matchday Schedule & Daily Timetable
Operating hours and play timetable for Hampshire vs Warwickshire at Utilita Bowl:
- Match Dates: Wednesday 2nd September – Saturday 5th September 2026.
- Box Office & Car Parks Open: 9:30 AM BST daily (90 minutes before play).
- Gates Open: 10:00 AM BST daily (60 minutes before play).
- Morning Session (Play Begins): 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM BST (or 11:00 AM start subject to official ECB scheduling).
- Lunch Interval: 40-minute lunch break between sessions.
- Afternoon Session: Play resumes following lunch.
- Tea Interval: 20-minute tea break in the late afternoon.
- Evening Session (Stumps / Scheduled Finish): 5:30 PM BST (or up to 6:00 PM to complete minimum overs).
- Venue Location: Utilita Bowl, Botley Road, West End, Southampton (SO30 3XH).
Ticket Prices & Admission Options
Pricing details and ticket information:
- Advance Adult Day Tickets: From £15.00.
- Hampshire Cricket Members: Free entry with valid 2026 Membership card.
- Official Ticketing Link: Book directly online via Utilita Bowl County Championship Tickets.
- Age Limit & Restrictions: Open to all ages; family-friendly seating areas available across the stadium.
Match & Team Overview
What to expect from this Vitality County Championship first-class clash:
- Vitality County Championship: Red-ball, four-day first-class competition pitting two Division 1 powerhouses against each other in crucial late-season play.
- Hampshire Cricket: Featuring key first-class stalwarts including James Fuller, Liam Dawson, Kyle Abbott, Nick Gubbins, and Ben Brown.
- Warwickshire CCC: Boasting a strong squad including Ed Barnard, Sam Hain, Alex Davies, Oliver Hannon-Dalby, and Ethan Bamber.
Venue Amenities & Spectator Facilities
Facilities available at Utilita Bowl:
- Seating Options: Covered and open-air stand options including the Shane Warne Stand, Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie Stand, and accessible seating terraces.
- Food & Refreshments: Concession stands serving hot meals, food stalls, coffee units, and fully licensed bars across the concourse.
- On-Site Hotel & Dining: Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl and BEEFY’S by Lord Botham restaurant integrated within the stadium structure.
- Store: Official Hampshire Cricket merchandise store located on-site for leisurewear and matchday gear.
Accessibility Information
Access details for visitors to Utilita Bowl:
- Accessible Seating: Dedicated wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms located in main stands with ramped access and lifts.
- Accessible Restrooms: Fully accessible toilets located throughout the concourse level, accessible via Radar key.
- Companion Tickets: Free essential companion / carer tickets available for eligible disabled spectators via the box office.
How to Get to Utilita Bowl
Travel options for reaching West End, Southampton (SO30 3XH):
- By Car: Located just off Junction 7 of the M27 motorway, clearly signposted via Botley Road.
- By Train: Hedge End Railway Station is the closest local station (approx. 1 mile away). Mainline connections are available via Southampton Airport Parkway and Eastleigh stations, followed by a short taxi ride.
- By Bus: First Bus services link Southampton City Centre directly to West End and the stadium entrance road.
Parking Information
Parking options at Utilita Bowl:
- On-Site Parking: Pre-bookable on-site car parking available, opening at 9:30 AM daily (90 minutes prior to play).
- Accessible Parking: Dedicated Blue Badge parking bays situated close to main spectator entrance turnstiles.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest county cricket fixtures, international sports events, stadium matches, and daytime weekend entertainment near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Hampshire v Warwickshire taking place?
- The Vitality County Championship match takes place over four days, from Wednesday 2nd September to Saturday 5th September 2026. Gates open daily at 9:30 AM BST with play scheduled from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM BST.
- Where is Utilita Bowl located?
- Utilita Bowl is situated on Botley Road, West End, Southampton, Hampshire (SO30 3XH).
- How much are tickets for the match?
- Advance individual day tickets start from £15.00. Entry is free for 2026 Hampshire Cricket Members. Tickets can be purchased directly online via Utilita Bowl County Championship Tickets.
- What happens if rain affects play during the four days?
- In the event of weather delays, extra overs can be played up until the official match cut-off time (typically 6:00 PM BST). Ticket refund policies apply as per standard ECB and Utilita Bowl rain check terms.
- Can I bring my own food and drink into the venue?
- Picnics and non-alcoholic drinks in sealed plastic bottles are generally permitted for County Championship matches, though alcohol rules vary per fixture. Food stalls and licensed bars are available throughout the ground.
- Is parking available at Utilita Bowl?
- Yes, pre-bookable on-site car parking is available at the stadium, opening at 9:30 AM BST daily, with designated Blue Badge accessible bays located near the entrance.