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The Rose Bowl is an iconic state-of-the-art cricket ground designed by the international award-winning architect, Sir Michael Hopkins.

Home to Hampshire Cricket since its construction in 2000, the ground has developed quickly into one of the leading venues in the country. Just under 10,000 seats in the perfect bowl provide unobstructed viewing for every spectator and the only permanent ‘world-class’ floodlights in the country allow the entertainment to continue after dark.

The Rose Bowl has already staged a number of high-profile international cricket matches and the flexible format of the ground means that the capacity for these games expands to 20,000.

Although cricket is at the heart of The Rose Bowl, the ground is well established as a major concert venue.  Some of the world's greatest artists have performed in front of sell-out crowds, including Oasis, Blue, Billy Joel and The Who.  In 2008 The Rose Bowl hosted a Neil Diamond concert in June and an R.E.M concert as part of their European 'Accelerate' tour in August.  

A 9-hole golf course and extensive conference and banqueting facilities complete the current make-up of this jewel of the South Coast.

However, there is more to come. In 2006, The Rose Bowl was awarded Test Match status by the ECB and at the same time announced a £45million development plan to turn the ground into one the best cricket and entertainment venues in the world. More details are included in the New Development section and regular updates will appear on this site as the development progresses.

In May 2008 the Government Office South East (GOSE) ratified the unanimous approval awarded on March 31st by Eastleigh Borough Council, for The Rose Bowl’s £45million development of the venue.

Statutory obligations meant that the approved plans had to be reviewed by the Government’s regional body, GOSE, and their ratification signaled the successful climax of the planning process and now paves the way for the project to enter its next phase, the appointment of the building contractors.

Rose Bowl plc Chairman, Rod Bransgrove commented on the announcement on the 14th May:

‘This is fantastic news as it brings the realisation of our superb new development a major step closer. It is worth reminding ourselves that this development is not just about the Hotel and International cricket, although they are both vital elements in securing the future of our Club – the new ground development will also provide a fabulous environment for County Cricket and I am particularly excited for our loyal Hampshire Members who will soon be able to enjoy some of the best facilities in the Country.’

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