Hampshire’s Modern Cricket Venue
The Rose Bowl, Hampshire’s fourth home and its most state-of-the-art ground, was designed by award-winning architects Michael Hopkins & Partners and hosted its first-team debut match in 2001. Shaped like a circular amphitheatre, its highlight is the three-storey pavilion with a canopied roof, an architectural marvel. Initially, its location just off the M27 on the outskirts of Southampton posed accessibility challenges for spectators.
The ground hosted some matches during the 2004 Champions Trophy, drawing criticism when access became difficult for England’s key fixture against Sri Lanka, attended by 16,000 spectators. Despite early setbacks, Hampshire’s ambitions continued: The Rose Bowl hosted England’s first Twenty20 International against Australia in 2005. Floodlights were installed in 2006, and after memorable day/night fixtures against Australia and Pakistan in 2010, the venue became England’s tenth Test ground in 2011 when Sri Lanka toured in mid-June.
The development of the ground, costing £24 million, faced financial difficulties in 2000 until Hampshire businessman and cricket enthusiast Rob Bransgrove intervened. Although the venue lost out to Cardiff for Test status in 2006, Bransgrove invested an additional £35 million to improve the pitch and resolve traffic issues that affected major matches. Future plans include a state-of-the-art hotel at the northern end, further boosting The Rose Bowl’s international profile and securing Hampshire cricket’s future.
Record Performances:
- On 29 August 2013, Australian opener Aaron Finch scored 156 off 63 balls against England at The Rose Bowl in a Twenty20 International, setting a new record. His innings included 14 sixes (record) and 11 fours. The previous record was 123 runs by New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum.
- In 2020, The Rose Bowl served as one of two bio-secure venues (alongside Old Trafford) for tours involving West Indies, Pakistan, and Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ground Features:
- Shallow bowl with a diameter of 150m, accommodating 20 pitches.
- Surrounded by a 4-meter high earth berm with terracing for 10,000 spectators.
- Ring of trees providing acoustic and visual separation from the nearby motorway, creating an intimate spectator experience.
