A guide to The Hundred cricket tournament

The Hundred is one of the UK’s most popular cricket tournaments. Featuring eight men's and eight women's teams, games are held in major cities across England and Wales. The 100-ball tournament promises plenty of action and excitement, creating the perfect atmosphere for a live game.
 
Interested in watching The Hundred live? We’re here to make your day as enjoyable as possible. Our guide includes information about two of The Hundred’s venues in London and the South West, The Oval and The Utilita Bowl, and how to get there by public transport.

When is The Hundred?

Games at The Hundred are held for five weeks over the summer, taking place at various venues across the UK. The Hundred 2024 from Tuesday 23rd July until the finals on Sunday 18th August.

What is The Hundred cricket and what are the rules?

First introduced in July 2021, The Hundred is a relatively new competition. Its format is designed to simplify cricket for everyone to enjoy. Here are the rules:

• The Hundred is 100-ball cricket, meaning there are 100 balls per innings
• The captain decides whether bowlers serve five or ten consecutive balls, and each bowler can deliver up to 20 balls per match
• A match lasts around 2.5 hours
• The squad that scores the most runs wins 

Ticketing information

Tickets are available for the group stages, eliminator and final. Prices start at £5 for 3-15-year-olds and £11 for adults, and entry includes access to the men’s and women’s matches on the same day. You’ll need to register your details to be able to buy tickets.

Which games are played at The Oval?

The Oval, otherwise known as The Kia Oval, opened its doors in 1945 and has since become one of the most iconic venues  for cricket. With a 25,000+ capacity, excellent transport links and delicious dining options, it’s the perfect place to watch The Hundred games.

The stadium is set to host ten matches in 2024, including The Hundred Eliminator, the tournament’s thrilling semifinals:

• Tuesday 23^rd July – Oval Invincibles vs Birmingham Phoenix (women 14:45, men 18:00)
• Friday 2^nd August – Oval Invincibles vs Northern Superchargers (women 15:00, men 18:30)
• Thursday 8^th August – Oval Invincibles vs Southern Brave (women 15:00, men 18:30)
• Sunday 11^th August – Oval Invincibles vs London Spirit (women 11:00, men 14:30)
• Saturday 17^th August – The Hundred Eliminator, teams TBC (women 14:15, men 18:00)

How to get to The Oval

Getting to The Oval by train couldn’t be easier. Vauxhall is the nearest station, an eight-minute walk from the venue. Gates open two hours before play starts, allowing you plenty of time for travel.

Food and drink at The Oval

The adrenaline of the match will soon work up an appetite, and you won’t have to look far to satisfy your tastebuds. There are various grab-and-go food outlets within the venue, serving everything from fish and chips to Indian dishes. You’ll also find 25 bars across the stadium, offering a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
 
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat after the match, you’ll find many restaurants in Vauxhall, just a short walk from the station. Celebrating the match results?  Hop on a train to London and enjoy a pint or two at one of the city’s top sports bars.

Which games are played at The Utilita Bowl?

An iconic sporting venue in the South West, The Utilita Bowl  is a fantastic place to watch The Hundred. It has a capacity of over 25,000, an onsite four-star hotel and a selection of dining options. Whether it’s your local venue or you’re travelling from further afield, you’ll feel right at home here.

The Utilita Bowl is set to host eight thrilling matches in 2024:

• Wednesday 24^th July – Southern Brave vs London Spirit (women 15:00, men 18:30)
• Thursday 1^st August – Southern Brave vs Manchester Originals (women 15:00, men 18:30)
• Saturday 10^th August – Southern Brave vs Trent Rockets (women 11:00, men 14:30)
• Wednesday 14^th August – Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire (women 11:30, men 15:00)

How to get to The Utilita Bowl

Roads can get incredibly congested around matchdays – especially with a tournament as popular as The Hundred – so we recommend getting to The Utilita Bowl by train.
 
Southampton Airport Parkway and Hedge End are the stations nearest The Utilita Bowl. Fans of the Hundred will again benefit from seamless travel this summer via free shuttle buses connecting local train stations to the stadium. Free buses will be available from both Hedge End and Southampton Airport Parkway Train Stations 1 hour before gates open and 30 minutes after the matchday ends.

With free shuttle bus provision, journeys from Winchester, Portsmouth, Salisbury and Bournemouth are all just a short train ride away.
 
Alternatively, you can catch the X4 or the 8 bus from Southampton Airport Parkway to The Utilita Bowl. Or from Hedge End, hop on the 8 CITY RED bus towards Grange Park.

Food and drink at The Utilita Bowl

The Utilita Bowl offers several dining options, whether you’re after a post-match meal or a quick bite between games. Head to one of the venue’s food and drink stalls for a meal on the go, with various cuisines available, from Mexican to Greek. Whatever you fancy, you’ll find plenty of veggie, vegan, halal and gluten-free options on-site.
 
BEEFY’S is the venue’s restaurant for sit-down dining, serving classic British dishes like burgers and fish and chips. You can also enjoy afternoon tea here. Outside the venue, the West End Brewery and The Southampton Arms are great places to refuel with a post-match drink and a bite to eat.

Travel with ease and save money with SWR

Secured your tickets for the game? It’s time to plan your travel! Book your trip with South Western Railway to find cheap train tickets. Get the best prices with advance tickets, or purchase GroupSave tickets when travelling with family and friends. Don’t forget to check your eligibility for any Railcards and discounts to save even more money when you travel.

Heading to The Hundred during the week or on a Saturday? Our Semi-Flex Return tickets give you extra flexibility, so you don’t have to rush back after the match. Going to a game on a Sunday? Our Sunday Out tickets are the best option, letting you travel anytime on journeys to and from London.

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