
25,000 spectators
2001
Botley Road, West End, Southampton SO30 3XH
Southampton, United Kingdom
Grass
Single-Sport Venue
Cricket
Stadium
The Utilita Bowl is the South Coast's premier international cricket, music, and leisure destination — a 25,000-capacity venue set in 181 acres of Hampshire countryside, featuring the 171-bedroom Hilton Southampton hotel with 79 pitch-facing rooms, BEEFY's by Lord Botham restaurant and bar, the 18-hole Boundary Lakes championship golf course, and the eforea luxury spa. Voted by fans as having the best food and views in English cricket in 2023 and 2024, the venue is committed to becoming the world's greenest international cricket stadium, with 1,000+ solar panels now generating over 25% of its energy. Southern Brave call the Utilita Bowl home in The Hundred — the men's team won the inaugural 2021 title and the women's side went unbeaten through the 2025 group stage. In 2026, the venue hosts six ICC Women's T20 World Cup matches and two England T20 internationals; in 2027, the Ashes arrives. A free shuttle bus from Southampton Airport Parkway and Hedge End stations makes access straightforward for fans without a car.
Hampshire Cricket moved to their purpose-built West End ground in 2001, replacing their previous Southampton home. Known successively as The Rose Bowl, the Ageas Bowl, and from 2021 the Utilita Bowl. The Hilton hotel was added in 2010, creating a unique pitch-view hotel. Hampshire hosted their first Test match in June 2011. In 2020, GMR Group acquired a 49% stake. Solar panels were installed in 2024 as part of a world-first green stadium programme. Southern Brave won the inaugural men's Hundred title in 2021. The 2027 Ashes and 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup confirm the venue's world-class status.
The Utilita Bowl delivers a matchday experience unlike any other in English cricket. The self-contained campus means visitors arrive into a purpose-built leisure destination with award-winning food, BEEFY's bar and restaurant, and the Hilton hotel all adding to the pre-match atmosphere. Southern Brave fixtures are celebrated for BBC Music Introducing DJs, Dynamos Cricket activities, and the outstanding views from every seat. The free shuttle buses from nearby train stations create a festival atmosphere on the journey to the ground.
The Utilita Bowl operates a FREE shuttle bus service for all fans travelling to and from The Hundred matchdays — one of the best fan transport arrangements at any cricket venue in England. Free direct buses run from both Southampton Airport Parkway Railway Station (approx. 3.5 miles from the ground) and Hedge End Station (less than 2 miles from the ground), running continuously from 30 minutes before gates open until one hour after the matchday ends. Southampton Airport Parkway is served by South Western Railway's Waterloo to Weymouth main line, with services from London Waterloo (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes), Bournemouth (20 minutes), and Woking (50 minutes). Hedge End is served by South Western Railway with connections from Portsmouth, Fratton, Eastleigh, and Basingstoke. Fans who cannot pre-book parking should use Southampton Airport Parkway's multi-storey car park and catch the free shuttle bus to the ground.
Bluestar bus services also provide connections to the Utilita Bowl for fans not using the free matchday shuttle. The No. 8 Bluestar route runs from Southampton City Centre through Northam, Bitterne, West End, and Chartwell Green to the Utilita Bowl and onwards to Hedge End. The X4 Bluestar service runs from outside Southampton Airport Parkway Station (Platform 1) directly to the Utilita Bowl. Regular timetabled services operate throughout the day and are a good option for fans staying in Southampton city centre or arriving via the airport. Check timetables at bluestarbus.co.uk.
The Utilita Bowl is located on Botley Road (SO30 3XH), accessed from the M27 motorway via Junction 7 (for the A334 towards West End). From London and the east, the M3 connects to the M27. From the west, the A35 and A31 link to the M27. The ground's rural campus setting means there is substantial on-site parking available, but all car parking for Hundred fixtures must be pre-booked in advance — no walk-up parking is available for cricket matchdays. Car parks 1 and 2 open 30 minutes before the scheduled gates opening time and close 90 minutes after the match ends. Cars cannot remain overnight. Fans who have not pre-booked should use Southampton Airport Parkway Station's multi-storey car park and take the free shuttle bus to the ground.
The Utilita Bowl's rural location between Southampton and Eastleigh means walking from the nearest town is not practical for most visitors. Hedge End Station is less than 2 miles away (approximately a 35-minute walk on arrival), but the free shuttle bus from the station is strongly recommended over walking, especially for evening fixtures or in poor weather. Cycling to the venue is actively encouraged — the Utilita Bowl provides a free bicycle storage facility. Cyclists should follow directions from traffic operatives at the roundabout on arrival and bring their own lock.
The Utilita Bowl Stadium Tour offers a comprehensive behind-the-scenes exploration of one of England's most modern and ambitious international cricket venues. Led by expert guides from Hampshire Cricket, the tour covers the players' and umpires' changing rooms, the media and commentary suites, the ground's hospitality facilities, and the unique Hilton hotel rooms that overlook the playing surface. Visitors gain an understanding of how a purpose-built, out-of-city cricket and events campus operates, from the ground's solar energy programme to the history of Hampshire Cricket at West End since 2001. The tour includes a visit to the Hampshire Cricket museum and access to the pitch surrounds.
Adult tickets cost £18, children's tickets are £10, and concession tickets are available for £14. The complete stadium tour experience lasts 90 minutes, providing comprehensive access to the stadium's most exclusive areas.
The Utilita Bowl Stadium Tour includes players' and umpires' changing rooms, media and commentary suites, hilton hotel pitch-facing rooms, hampshire cricket museum, pitch surrounds and outfield access, solar panel installation overview, hospitality suite access, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Tours run on selected days throughout the year, subject to match and event schedules. Available most non-match days during the cricket season. Check utilitabowl.com or hampshirecricket.com for the current schedule. Book online via hampshirecricket.com or by calling the Hampshire Cricket ticket office. Group bookings for 10+ available. Tours are popular on busy summer dates — advance booking recommended.
A unique combined experience exclusive to the Utilita Bowl: a full round of golf on the Boundary Lakes 18-hole championship parkland course followed by a private tour of the cricket ground and dinner or drinks at BEEFY's by Lord Botham. Boundary Lakes Golf Course is a par-69 parkland course designed to USGA standard greens, with scenic fairways and countryside views. This combined golf-and-cricket experience is available to individual visitors and groups seeking a full Utilita Bowl day out.
Adult tickets cost £95, children's tickets are Price on request, and concession tickets are available for Price on request. The complete stadium tour experience lasts 300 minutes, providing comprehensive access to the stadium's most exclusive areas.
The Boundary Lakes Golf & Stadium Experience includes full 18-hole round on boundary lakes championship parkland course, private cricket ground tour, dinner or drinks at beefy's by lord botham, pro shop access, full course facilities including clubhouse, changing rooms, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Available year-round on non-major-match days. Golf tee times must be booked in advance via the Boundary Lakes pro shop. The stadium tour element is subject to no match being in progress. BEEFY's reservation required separately. Book Boundary Lakes Golf via utilitabowl.com or call the pro shop. BEEFY's restaurant reservation: book via the Hilton Southampton website or utilitabowl.com.
Luxury accommodation - On-site — overlooking the cricket pitch
Rates from £120 to £280 per night
The Hilton Southampton — Utilita Bowl is the definitive cricket fan's hotel, literally built into the stadium complex with 171 bedrooms, 79 of which overlook the famous cricket ground directly. Guests can watch play from their balcony, walk to the ground in under two minutes, and enjoy the on-site BEEFY's by Lord Botham restaurant, the eforea luxury spa, and the 18-hole Boundary Lakes golf course — all without leaving the venue. Rated 8.2 on Booking.com, the hotel offers free on-site parking (subject to availability and event restrictions) and is the only hotel in England that provides both a pitch-view room and a round of golf on the same visit. An unrivalled base for fans attending multi-day cricket at the Utilita Bowl.
Mid-range accommodation - 10-minute drive or free shuttle bus nearby
Rates from £85 to £170 per night
A well-regarded 4-star country hotel set in its own grounds near Botley village, approximately 2.5 kilometres from the Utilita Bowl. Macdonald Botley Park offers comfortable, spacious rooms in a tranquil rural setting, with an indoor pool, leisure club, and restaurant. A popular choice for visitors attending multi-day international cricket at the Utilita Bowl, particularly families who want a hotel with proper leisure facilities rather than an urban city-centre property.
Budget accommodation - 15-minute drive or free shuttle bus from Hedge End Station
Rates from £50 to £95 per night
The Premier Inn Southampton East sits in the Hedge End and West End area, within easy reach of the Utilita Bowl and the free matchday shuttle bus service from Hedge End Station. It provides Premier Inn's reliable, comfortable budget accommodation at a competitive Hampshire price point. A practical choice for fans attending Hundred matchdays who want to minimise costs without sacrificing comfort.
Boutique accommodation - 20-minute drive or Southampton city centre
Rates from £120 to £260 per night
The Pig in the Wall is a celebrated boutique hotel in Southampton's Old Town, part of the acclaimed THE PIG restaurant group known for its kitchen garden-to-table philosophy and distinctive country-house style. Located 8 kilometres from the Utilita Bowl, it provides access to both the venue (via shuttle bus and taxi) and the best of Southampton's cultural and dining scene. Rooms are individually designed with THE PIG's signature shabby-chic country aesthetic, and the restaurant's seasonal, hyper-local menu is one of the most sought-after dining experiences in Hampshire.
The Utilita Bowl is a purpose-built modern venue designed with accessibility throughout. The ground's circular bowl design provides level access from the main car parks and drop-off points into the stadium, with step-free routes available throughout the concourse. The Atrium entrance provides the main accessible gateway to the ground's facilities, including the Hilton hotel and BEEFY's restaurant. Stewards are positioned at all entry gates on matchdays to assist visitors with accessibility requirements. Contact the Utilita Bowl accessibility team in advance to discuss specific requirements. The Matchday Information point is located in the Atrium and can assist with all accessibility queries on the day.
Dedicated wheelchair viewing bays and accessible seating positions are distributed throughout the Utilita Bowl, with options across multiple stands providing a variety of viewing perspectives. The ground's modern design ensures accessible positions have excellent sightlines comparable to general admission seating. Accessible tickets must be booked in advance through the ticket office. Book accessible seating directly via the ticket office — do not use the standard online booking system. Contact the team to arrange appropriate seating and companion ticket allocation.
Accessible toilets are located at both ends of the Shane Warne Stand and the Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie Stand, in the Pavilion, and at the Hilton End. For some matches, accessible toilets are controlled by a RADAR key. Visitors without a RADAR key should ask an Information Steward or staff at the Matchday Information point in the Atrium for assistance. A Changing Places Toilet (a larger, fully equipped facility for those with complex needs) is also available in the Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie Stand concourse. If you need RADAR key access and do not have one, ask any Information Steward or visit the Matchday Information point in the Atrium. The Changing Places Toilet in the Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie Stand concourse provides an enhanced accessible facility.
Accessible parking bays are available within the Utilita Bowl's on-site car parks for Blue Badge holders. All parking for Hundred fixtures must be pre-booked in advance via utilitabowl.com. Blue Badge holders should ensure their accessible parking requirement is noted when booking. Accessible bays are positioned closest to the main stadium entrances. Pre-book accessible parking in advance at utilitabowl.com. Indicate your Blue Badge requirement when booking. Do not arrive without a pre-booked space on Hundred matchdays.
A dedicated Contemplation Room is available at the Utilita Bowl, located in the Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie Stand concourse. The room provides a quiet, private space for prayer, reflection, and a break from the matchday noise and activity — suitable for visitors of all faiths and those who benefit from a sensory respite. The room is available throughout all Hundred matchdays. The Contemplation Room is located in the Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie Stand concourse. Ask any steward for directions. No advance booking required.
Registered assistance dogs and guide dogs are welcome throughout the Utilita Bowl and its campus, including inside the cricket ground, the Hilton hotel, and BEEFY's restaurant. Relief areas for assistance dogs are available within the venue. Notify the accessibility team when booking to confirm dog-specific facilities. Inform the accessibility team or ticket office when booking your ticket if you will be accompanied by a registered assistance dog.
The Utilita Bowl operates as a fully cashless venue — card payments only are accepted at all food, drink, and merchandise outlets inside the ground. No cash is accepted anywhere. Water refill stations are located around the ground, allowing visitors to refill personal bottles free of charge throughout the day. Ensure you have a contactless payment card or mobile payment method before attending. Water stations are clearly signed around the concourse for free bottle refills.
Shane Warne Stand, Pavilion End & General Seating tickets range from £18 to £38 for the hampshire cricket memberships including southern brave hundred access available via hampshirecricket.com..
Standard adult admission to Southern Brave home fixtures in The Hundred at Utilita Bowl. Each ticket covers the double-header day (women's and men's matches). Voted by fans for the best food and views in English cricket. All payments at the venue are cashless — card only.
These unreserved or reserved general seating across the shane warne stand, pavilion end, and general areas. the utilita bowl's circular bowl design means virtually every seat offers an excellent view of the playing surface. tickets include entry to southern brave double-header fixture (women's and men's), matchday entertainment, live bbc music introducing dj, dynamos cricket family activities, access to award-winning food and drink outlets (cashless), making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
General Seating Areas tickets range from £5 to £5 for the junior hampshire cricket memberships with hundred access available..
Junior admission for children under 16 to Southern Brave home Hundred fixtures. Children under 3 typically admitted free. The Utilita Bowl's award-winning food and family activities make it one of the most welcoming Hundred venues for younger fans.
These junior seating for children under 16 accompanying ticketed adults, with access to dynamos cricket activities and family entertainment throughout the day. tickets include entry to southern brave double-header, matchday entertainment, dynamos cricket activities, live music, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Premium Suites & Hospitality Areas tickets range from £80 to £350 for the corporate season packages available across multiple hampshire and hundred fixtures..
Official Utilita Bowl corporate hospitality for Southern Brave Hundred fixtures. The ground's award-winning catering translates directly to the hospitality offering, which combines premium suite seating with Utilita Bowl's celebrated food and drink. Packages available via Seat Unique and directly via the Hampshire Cricket commercial team.
These the utilita bowl's official hospitality packages via seat unique provide a premium southern brave matchday experience. packages typically include sandwiches, tea and coffee on arrival, a two-course bowl food menu, access to a complimentary bar (house beer, wine, soft drinks), premium suite seating, and a parking pass (1 per 4 places). smart casual dress is required in all hospitality areas. tickets include premium suite seating, sandwiches and tea/coffee on arrival, two-course bowl food menu, complimentary bar (beer, wine, soft drinks), parking pass (1 per 4 places), making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
All Stands (ICC tournament pricing) tickets range from £15 to £60 for the separate from regular hundred and domestic ticketing. hampshire cricket membership does not guarantee icc tournament access..
International ICC tournament tickets for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup fixtures at the Utilita Bowl. Six group and potentially knockout stage matches are scheduled, representing the biggest women's cricket event at the venue to date. Demand is high — tickets went on sale via ballot from July 2025.
These the utilita bowl hosts six icc women's t20 world cup 2026 matches in june 2026, bringing the world's top women's cricket teams to southampton for the first major icc tournament at the venue. tickets for these fixtures are sold via the official icc and ecb ticketing channels. tickets include entry to icc women's t20 world cup match, access to all venue facilities, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
The Utilita Bowl has a capacity of 25,000 with temporary seating for major cricket and concert events. The permanent seating capacity is approximately 15,000. The venue is set within 181 acres of Hampshire countryside and includes the 171-bedroom Hilton Southampton hotel, BEEFY's restaurant, an 18-hole golf course, and the eforea spa.
The Utilita Bowl is the home of Southern Brave in The Hundred. Both the Southern Brave men's and women's teams play four home double-header fixtures at the ground each August. The men's side won the inaugural 2021 Hundred title; the women's team went unbeaten through the 2025 group stage before finishing runners-up.
Yes — a FREE shuttle bus runs from both Southampton Airport Parkway Station and Hedge End Station directly to the Utilita Bowl for all Hundred matchdays. Buses run continuously from 30 minutes before gates open until one hour after the match ends. No booking required — just show up at the designated pickup point at either station. Southampton Airport Parkway is served by South Western Railway from London Waterloo (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes) and Bournemouth (20 minutes).
Yes — the Hilton Southampton — Utilita Bowl is located on-site, with 171 bedrooms including 79 rooms directly overlooking the cricket pitch. The hotel features BEEFY's by Lord Botham restaurant and bar, the eforea luxury spa, and free on-site parking (subject to availability and event restrictions). It is the only Hilton hotel in England where guests can wake up overlooking a Test match pitch and play golf on an 18-hole championship course without leaving the property. Rates typically from £120 per night.
BEEFY's by Lord Botham is named in honour of Sir Ian Botham, Baron Botham of Ravensworth — England cricket's most celebrated all-rounder, widely known by the nickname "Beefy." Botham is one of Hampshire cricket's most celebrated connections and a life peer since 2020. The restaurant serves modern British cuisine with stunning views over the cricket ground and is the flagship site of what has grown into a restaurant brand inspired by Botham's legendary career. BEEFY's is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the year.
The Utilita Bowl has been voted by fans as having the best food in English cricket in both 2023 and 2024. The matchday food village offers freshly prepared street food and hot food from multiple on-site vendors, catering for all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal. Menus change seasonally and are prepared on-site by a passionate team of chefs. All payments are cashless — card only. Water refill stations are available throughout the ground. BEEFY's restaurant is also open for pre-match dining.
Yes. The Utilita Bowl is a purpose-built modern venue with comprehensive accessibility provision. This includes step-free access throughout the ground, dedicated wheelchair viewing bays, accessible toilets at multiple locations (including a Changing Places Toilet in the Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie Stand), a Contemplation Room (quiet space), accessible parking (pre-booking required), and assistance dog facilities. A RADAR key is needed for some accessible toilets — stewards and the Matchday Information point in the Atrium can assist.
Yes, on-site parking is available but must be pre-booked in advance via utilitabowl.com — no walk-up car parking is available for Hundred fixtures. Car parks 1 and 2 open 30 minutes before gates and close 90 minutes after the match. Fans who cannot pre-book should use Southampton Airport Parkway Station's multi-storey car park and take the free shuttle bus to the ground.
In January 2024, the Utilita Bowl announced its mission to become the world's greenest international cricket stadium. The first major step was the installation of over 1,000 solar panels across the venue, now generating more than 25% of the ground's energy needs. The initiative is part of a partnership with energy supplier Utilita Energy (the venue's naming rights partner) and positions the Utilita Bowl as the leader of sustainable cricket venue development globally.
The Utilita Bowl has an outstanding upcoming event calendar. In 2026: six ICC Women's T20 World Cup matches in June, England vs India Vitality T20 on 11 July, and England vs Sri Lanka Vitality T20 on 15 September. In 2027: the Utilita Bowl will host an Ashes Test match between England and Australia — one of the most anticipated fixtures in world cricket. The Southern Brave Hundred home fixtures also return each August.
Southern Brave tickets for The Hundred at the Utilita Bowl start from £18 for adults and £5 for children under 16. Each ticket covers the full double-header day (women's and men's matches). Book via thehundred.com or utilitabowl.com. Hampshire Cricket members with qualifying memberships can book via hampshirecricket.com. All parking must be pre-booked separately.
Yes — Boundary Lakes is an 18-hole par-69 championship parkland golf course set within the Utilita Bowl's 181-acre grounds, designed to USGA greens standards with scenic Hampshire countryside fairways. A fully equipped pro shop, custom-fitting studio, practice pod, and clubhouse are all available. The Boundary Lakes Golf Course can be booked via utilitabowl.com and is open year-round to visitors and hotel guests.
1 September 2025
Utilita Bowl was confirmed as the host venue for one of the England vs Australia Ashes Test matches in the 2027 series — one of the most coveted fixtures in world cricket. The announcement is a landmark moment for Hampshire Cricket and the Utilita Bowl, bringing an Ashes Test to Southampton for the first time in the ground's history. The 2027 Ashes confirmation validates the venue's significant investment in infrastructure, sustainability, and spectator experience since opening in 2001, and positions it alongside England's most celebrated Test venues.
31 August 2025
The Southern Brave women's team made history in the 2025 Hundred season by becoming the first team in the competition's history to go unbeaten through the group stage, winning all their home and away fixtures at Utilita Bowl and on the road. The team qualified automatically for the Final at Lord's, where they faced and lost to Northern Superchargers (now SunRisers Leeds) in a closely contested match. The achievement is the finest performance in the Southern Brave women's history and came after a challenging 2024 campaign, showcasing the depth and quality of the squad assembled for the 2025 season.
1 July 2025
The Utilita Bowl was confirmed as a host venue for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 — the first major ICC women's tournament to be held in England and Wales — with six matches scheduled at the Southampton ground in June 2026. The tournament runs from 12 June to 5 July 2026 across seven iconic venues, with Lord's hosting the Final. The Utilita Bowl's selection reflects its status as one of England's premier international cricket venues and its growing capacity for major tournament cricket. England vs India at the Utilita Bowl on 11 July 2026 and England vs Sri Lanka on 15 September 2026 are also confirmed for the same summer.
1 April 2024
The Utilita Bowl announced an ambitious mission in January 2024 to become the world's greenest international cricket stadium, backed by a major investment in solar energy infrastructure in partnership with energy supplier Utilita Energy. Over 1,000 solar panels have been installed across the venue, generating more than 25% of the venue's total energy needs from clean solar power. The partnership reflects both the venue's and Utilita Energy's shared commitment to sustainable operations at a major sporting venue. The initiative positions the Utilita Bowl as the global pioneer of sustainable cricket venue development and is being closely watched by other international cricket grounds considering similar programmes.
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