The crowds at the Kia Oval have set another record 21st century attendance with 14,982 fans coming through the gate for Festival of Red Ball Cricket, supported by Ambassador Cruises, as Surrey took on Essex in a fascinating Rothesay County Championship fixture over the bank holiday weekend that ended in a draw.
Nearly 3,000 spectators were making their first visit to the Kia Oval this year during the game and 40% of ticket buyers were under the age of 45. The record was broken as over 200 people came through the gates on the final day as part of Surrey’s regular ‘Free after Tea’ initiative, with fans watching the tense climax of the game as Surrey secured a draw on the final afternoon thanks to efforts from Sam Curran, Jamie Overton and Jordan Clark. The crowd total beat the record set last weekend during the match against Yorkshire of 14,853 and was over 1,500 more than the 2024 Festival.
The Festival saw a range of activities for spectators including a ‘Talking Cricket’ event with former England cricketer Roland Butcher and writers Huw Turbervill, Dean Wilson and Phil Walker. Surrey legend Alex Tudor was attending on behalf of Ambassador, meeting and greeting Surrey fans on the Pavilion forecourt. Brixton Brewery ran a special pop up bar featuring a wide-range of their locally brewed beers, there was also a Real Ale Festival where people could meet the brewers to hear more about their beers. Spectators also had the chance to win a magnum of champagne thanks to Club partner Pommery.
For younger fans, there was the opportunity to meet the new Surrey mascot Cleo the lioness as well as coaching sessions in the indoor school. Friday saw over 300 young people from local schools who attend the Club’s Ben Hollioake Learning Centre coming along to watch the game.
The Club also launched a one-off 180th shirt with Surrey’s players posing for a special squad photo ahead of the start of play and their signed shirts are available for fans to bid on with all proceeds going to the Surrey Cricket Foundation, over £2,600 has already been raised with the auction closing this evening.
Steve Elworthy, Chief Executive said, “The support that the team have had at home so far this season has been outstanding and it shows the affection for the long format of the game. It was also heartening to see so many fans coming along for the first time this season – we want to keep growing the number of people who come down to the Kia Oval to watch the County Championship.
“The red ball game is in rude health in south London and it was also fantastic to see so many young people and families coming to watch over the course of the match. We hope to see everyone return for the next County Championship fixture.”
Rory Burns’ side will next be in County Championship action at the Kia Oval 29 June-2 July against Durham.