It’s time to rewind the clock and celebrate a milestone in Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl history as the venue marks 25 years since opening its doors for professional cricket. As part of a year-long silver anniversary celebration, a retro-themed Vitality Blast matchday will take place when the Hampshire Hawks face Surrey at Utilita Bowl on Friday 29 May.
This matchday will be a headline celebration in the “25 Years of The Bowl” campaign - a celebration of the venue's evolution from the Rose Bowl, to the Ageas Bowl, the Hampshire Bowl, and now Utilita Bowl - reflecting on its already rich history while looking ahead to what's still to come.
Friday 29 May | Utilita Bowl
To celebrate 25 years of The Bowl, fans are invited to party like it’s 2001 as two Vitality Blast heavyweight sides go head-to-head at this centrepiece event of the anniversary year.
Surrey arrive with star power in their ranks, but they'll be taking on a historically successful Hampshire Hawks side at the venue where the Vitality Blast was born, where the first-ever English domestic T20 match was played in 2003.
Expect fast-paced cricket, fierce rivalry - and a whole lot of throwback fun.
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This matchday will blend cricket, culture and nostalgia, with a T20 double header fixture that runs from afternoon into evening, creating a celebratory atmosphere that reflects both the venue's past and its present.
Supporters can expect live music before and after the match, a retro-inspired theme across the stadium, and a range of matchday entertainment and competitions throughout the event. There will also be special guest appearances in hospitality areas, all contributing to a vibrant and memorable occasion under the lights.
While firmly focused on the action on the pitch, the night will also celebrate the sights, sounds and spirit of the early years of The Bowl - bringing together long-standing supporters and new fans alike as part of the venue’s 25-year anniversary celebrations.
Supporters can take part in this landmark matchday in a number of ways.
T20 Passport - provides access to all seven of Hampshire Hawks' home Vitality Blast fixtures for just £119, which includes five double headers.
Hampshire Cricket Membership - gain unrivalled access to all of Hampshire's home fixtures, plus many additional benefits with a membership. Junior Memberships are just £30, whilst Premium Memberships are £310.
Priority Club - receive immediate priority ticket access to the best-priced Vitality Blast tickets by joining Priority Club today.
Hospitality packages - enjoy an enhanced matchday experience in premium surroundings from £130 + VAT.
Pitch-facing bedrooms - make a night of it with your own pitchside suite at Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl.
The anniversary year will include a mix of early campaign moments, including kit launches and heritage-led content, alongside larger live events and matchday experiences later in the season.
The retro party night is one of several key moments planned as part of a year-long programme of 25-year anniversary activity, with celebrations taking place across the 2026 season.
Across the year, supporters can expect a series of moments and initiatives celebrating both the history and future of The Bowl, including:
Together, these activations will reflect the venue’s impact across cricket, entertainment and the wider community - while looking ahead to the next chapter.
Supporters can stay up to date with anniversary activity by following Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl on social media and join the mailing list for email updates - both linked in the Contact Us section of the website footer.
Throughout 2026, 25 Years of The Bowl will be marked through a series of celebrations reflecting the venue’s history, people and progress.
One of the headline moments of the anniversary year comes on Friday 29 May, as Hampshire Hawks v Surrey brings the Party Like It’s 2001 theme to life with a retro-themed Vitality Blast double header at Utilita Bowl.
Together, these moments will celebrate 25 years of The Bowl - past, present and future.
Celebrate 25 years of The Bowl with a retro party night as Hampshire Hawks face Surrey at Utilita Bowl on Friday 29 May, featuring live music, throwback fun and Vitality Blast action.
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