Hampshire Cricket are delighted to announce record-breaking ticket sales for the 2018 Vitality Blast competition, which gets underway next month.
Ticket sales for the seven Blast matches at the Ageas Bowl have increased by more than 113% year-on-year ahead of the 2018 campaign, figures which follow three years of increased attendances in the most recent instalments of the T20 competition.
The number of ticket purchasers to matches this season has also seen a significant increase, up 109% compared to this point last year.
The record figures follow on from another positive tournament last season as Hampshire reached an unprecedented seventh Finals Day in eight years, further enhancing the Club’s reputation as one of the best white-ball teams in the country.
Impressive performances in this year’s Royal London One-Day Cup have only added to that further, with James Vince’s side claiming top spot in the South Group and securing a home semi-final fixture to be played at the Ageas Bowl next Monday (18th June).
The Ageas Bowl’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jonathan Crocker, said: “Having reached Finals Day a record seven times in the last eight years, it’s sure to be another thrilling campaign once again this year and we can’t wait to welcome even more fans to the Ageas Bowl to experience all the excitement along the way.”
A host of free family-friendly activities will be available on-site for fans to enjoy during all seven matches this summer, as the Ageas Bowl continues its ongoing efforts to introduce cricket to the next generation of fans. Live music will then follow the conclusion of each contest meaning spectators can extend their enjoyment long after the on-field action comes to a close.
Hampshire’s Vitality Blast campaign begins on Friday 6th July with a home clash against Glamorgan, whilst the Hampshire faithful will not have to wait too long to witness 2018’s edition of ‘el clasicoast’, with Thursday 12th July the date set for local rivals Sussex Sharks’ visit to the Ageas Bowl.
The Ageas Bowl has been selected to host a Double Header fixture on Wednesday 8th August. The afternoon will see the Southern Vipers take on Yorkshire Diamonds in Kia Super League action before Hampshire go head to head with Somerset in the evening contest – with free access to the Vipers’ match for those purchasing tickets for Hampshire’s clash with Somerset.
Four home fixtures in August round off the group stage with Gloucestershire the final opponents at the Ageas Bowl on Friday 17th August. Finals Day will be at Edgbaston, on 15th September.
