Seating plan
Description
The Hampshire is the newest purpose built cricket stadium in the UK at the time of writing and is home to hampshire county cricket club. The stadium holds international events and 20×20 games as well as music concerts and other events. The Hampshire Rose Bowl holds a total capacity of 6,500.
How to get to
By Car
From the North: M3 Southbound to Junction 14, follow signs for M27 Eastbound (Fareham and Portsmouth). At Junction 7 of M27, filter left onto Charles Watts Way (A334) and from there follow the brown road signs to The Rose Bowl.
From the South: M27 to Junction 7 and follow the brown road signs to The Rose Bowl.
By Plane
Southampton International. Airport is approximately 10 minutes from the ground.
Park & Ride
For International and Twenty20 Cup Matches Hampshire CCC run a Park & Ride scheme from Juntion 8 of the M27. No on-site parking will be available on International match days (aside from Disabled & Hospitality guests) and is restricted to season-ticket holders only for Twenty20.
By Rail
From Bournemouth, New Forest, Dorset, Winchester, Basingstoke, London Waterloo & the North use Southampton (Parkway) station. From Wiltshire change at Southampton Central for Southampton (Parkway) station.
From Fareham, Portsmouth and the East use Hedge End station. Bus links are available from all 3 stations
By Bus
From Southampton Parkway use Solent Blue Line service bus No 9 & 9a, half hourly service, journey time approximately 10 minutes. From Southampton City Centre (Vincents Walk) use First Southampton service 8a every 20 minutes, hourly after 6pm – journey time approximately 35 minutes.
Key facts
| Address | The Hampshire Rose Bowl, Botley Road, West End, Southampton, Hampshire, England, SO30 3XH |
| Capacity | 15,000 (25,000 with temporary seating) |
| Build Date | 2001 |
| Who is the owner of Rose Bowl? | RB Sport & Leisure Holdings plc |
| Where is Rose Bowl located? | 50.9240°N 1.3219°W |
| Nickname | Ageas Bowl, Hampshire Bowl |
FAQ
The Utilita Bowl, formerly known as the Rose Bowl, is a cricket ground and sporting venue located in West End, Hampshire, near Southampton, England. It is the home of Hampshire County Cricket Club and hosts international cricket matches.
The ground was opened in 2001 and has undergone several renovations and expansions since then.
The current capacity of the Utilita Bowl is approximately 15,000 for cricket matches. This can vary slightly depending on the event and seating configuration.
The Utilita Bowl has several distinct seating areas:
Shane Warne Stand.
Hampshire Suite.
Atrium.
Ian Botham Stand.
Pavilion.
Interactive Sports Wall.
The Hilton Hotel (which overlooks the ground).
The best views are generally considered to be from:
The Shane Warne Stand, which offers a side-on view of the pitch.
The Pavilion, which provides a view from behind the bowler’s arm.
The upper tiers of the Ian Botham Stand.
Yes, most of the permanent seating areas in the Utilita Bowl are covered, protecting spectators from rain and sun. However, some temporary seating installed for larger events may be uncovered.
Yes, the Utilita Bowl provides accessible seating options in various areas of the ground. These spaces are designed to accommodate wheelchair users and their companions. It’s recommended to contact the venue directly when booking to ensure appropriate arrangements.
This depends on the event and the ticketing system being used. For many international matches and major events, you can often select specific seats. For smaller events, you might only be able to choose a general area.
Yes, the Utilita Bowl offers several premium seating and hospitality options, including:
Private boxes in the Shane Warne Stand.
The Hampshire Suite, which offers indoor luxury seating with excellent views.
The Atrium, which provides a more informal hospitality experience.
The Hilton Hotel at the Utilita Bowl offers rooms with views over the cricket ground. While these provide a unique perspective, they are quite distant from the action. They’re great for a panoramic view of the entire ground but may not be ideal for following the details of play.
The Utilita Bowl is designed to provide good views from most areas. However, seats at the very ends of the stands or in the lowest rows might have slightly restricted views. If you’re concerned, it’s best to check with the box office when booking.
This is largely a matter of personal preference:
Higher seats offer a better overall view of the field and the tactical positioning of players.
Lower seats provide a closer view of the action and can make you feel more immersed in the atmosphere.
While not necessary, binoculars can enhance your experience, especially from higher seats or if you’re interested in closely observing player techniques and reactions.
Remember to check the official Utilita Bowl website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information on seating and ticketing, as arrangements can change depending on the event or season.
