Today the team at Findmeaconference are fielding a winning team of meeting rooms and event spaces to bowl over organisers and delegates with sporting inspiration, courtesy of a famous cricket club in Durham and Hampshire.
First at the wicket is Durham County Cricket Club at the Emirates Riverside Ground in Chester Le Street, Durham.
The History of Durham County Cricket Club History
The test match-standard ground was built as a condition of the club’s acceptance into first-class cricket and the Emirates Riverside Ground hosted its first game on 18 May 1995 when Durham played Warwickshire. Development continued and in 2003 the Emirates Riverside Ground gained Test match-status and has hosted four England Test Matches between 2003 and 2009. In 2013, the Emirates Riverside Ground was the cricket ground selected for one of the Ashes Test Matches.
Durham County Cricket Club Facilities
Meeting bookers and event organisers can choose from nine different rooms and suites plus Durham County Cricket Club has additional Executive boxes. These have panoramic views over the Emirates Riverside Ground and patio doors so delegates can access the balcony area. Executive boxes can be hired for a day or half a day and rates start at £100.
The Glass House is the largest suite with a maximum capacity for up to 500 delegates. It overlooks the adjacent stadium where Durham County Cricket Club players train – the perfect inspiration for creating new champions.
The Castle View Suite, which has its own private entrance and a bar, has spectacular views across the wicket on to Lumley Castle. It can host up to 175 delegates and to hire this venue for a day, prices start from £500.
Audio and video conferencing and an AV production team are available. Delegates can enjoy free WiFi in all conference rooms and public areas and there is free parking for up to 700 vehicles.
Next at the wicket is The Ageas Bowl where Hampshire County Cricket Club play.
The History of The Ageas Bowl
The ground was constructed as a replacement for the Country Ground in Southampton and underwent further development in 2008 so Test cricket could be played. One day internationals and Twenty20 internationals have been played and The Ageas Bowl now has an increased capacity in the stands, a 4-star hotel and a media centre which looks out over the ground. The architecture is contemporary in style and the redevelopment programme included the creation of luxurious conference and event facilities.
The Ageas Bowl Facilities
A total of seven suites are available at The Ageas Bowl plus a purpose-built media centre which accommodates up to 100 people. The West Stand has hospitality boxes for up to 16 guests. These boxes are great for combining corporate hospitality with cricket and can also be used for boardroom meetings.
Named after the Hampshire and England bowler Derek Shackleton who took over 100 wickets in 20 consecutive seasons, the Derek Shackleton Suite has a capacity of 150 delegates attending a reception or 120 for a theatre style event. Guests can enjoy superb views over the cricket ground and the rolling Hampshire countryside, as well as a private bar and conveniences.
Delegates can enjoy free WiFi throughout and there is excellent technical support available to meeting organisers choosing The Ageas Bowl. Organisers can also hire the venue for private dining occasions, cocktail receptions and charity dinners. Tailor-made menus, BBQs and impressive banqueting menus can be coordinated through the experienced on-site events team.
Delegates rates at The Ageas Bowl start at £32.
For more details on cricket grounds or other iconic sporting grounds and stadiums select a category here.