The sport of Cricket goes back a long way in Birmingham, as early as 1745 in fact. The first recorded match took place in Deritend on 15th July 1751.
Birmingham and District Cricket League is actually the oldest cricket league in the world, and was founded in 1888. The sport rose to popularity between the two world wars with 200 Birmingham teams playing cricket each week in 1922, and over 320 by 1939.
My personal interest in the sport goes back to the early 80s when my family moved from the city to Goodrich, Herefordshire. There is a beautiful cricket ground there and this inspired me to take up the game.
Warwickshire County Cricket Club is my home city club and one of eighteen first-class county clubs within the domestic cricket structure of England and Wales. Whilst the ground is situated well within Birmingham’s boundaries, it still represents the county of Warwickshire, Shakespeare country. The club was founded in 1882. The club’s home is Edgbaston Cricket Ground, which hosts Test and One Day International matches as well as various local events.
The modern game of cricket is not just about the sport, it is also now linked to various cricket hospitality events and options such as exclusive seating packages for the best views from the terraces, as well as The 1882 Club which offers:
- Official category 1 match ticket
- Two-course meal
- Complimentary bar of beer, wine and soft drinks
- Plasma TVs
- Official event documentation
Executive Boxes offer that little bit more:
- Official category 1 match ticket
- Viewing from the private balcony
- Two-course meal
- Complimentary bar of beer, wine and soft drinks
- Plasma TVs
- Official event documentation
Of course there is also Conference and Cricket which provides the perfect opportunity to mix business with cricket. This package allows you to host clients or colleagues throughout the day in a unique and professional environment, as well as enjoy all of the fast paced, Birmingham Bears cricket action in the evening:
- Official category 1 match ticket
- Two-course meal
- Complimentary bar of beer, wine and soft drinks
- Plasma TVs
- Official event documentation
- Room hire
- 3 servings of tea, coffee and biscuits
- Finger buffet or fork buffet lunch
- Mineral water
- LCD, screen and flipchart
- Stationery and sweets
- Car parking
Whilst Cricket is still firmly the main attraction, the sport has branched out and mixes business with pleasure very well.
The recent awarding of The Common Wealth Games to Birmingham has seen Warwickshire Cricket Club stepping up and offering its full support of bringing the games to the city, this could result in various activities being hosted at the Edgbaston ground.
Cricket is a huge part of the city’s cultural heritage and continues to thrive, no matter where the club finishes in the league tables.
Article by Nick Byng for Grapevine Birmingham