Hampshire Cricket Shortlisted In Three Categories For ECB’s Business Of Cricket Awards

Hampshire Cricket have been shortlisted as finalists for three awards at this year’s ECB Business of Cricket Awards (BOCAs) – Sponsorship Campaign of the Year, Transforming the Women's Game and Customer Retention Initiative of the Year.

The event will take place on Thursday 14th November at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. The BOCAs reward innovation and best practice across the professional game, shining a light on the work that First-Class Counties and MCC do to grow the sport and deliver unforgettable experiences for fans. 

The Sponsorship Campaign of the Year award celebrates an innovative partnership that delivers impactful and tangible results, and drives engagement. Utilita Bowl's submission spotlighted the announcement of Utilita Energy as the venue's new ground naming rights partner and the shared vision to become the greenest cricket stadium in the world. The partnership set a new standard in the sports industry and was the first to deliver a stadium solar installation of this size, with over 1,000 solar panels installed across the roofs of the venue.

Transforming the Women's Game looks to recognise an initiative that has had a transformational impact on the evolution of the women’s professional game. This summer, Utilita Bowl became the first venue to sell out back-to-back women’s international matches, hosting the Vitality IT20 between England and New Zealand. The event has redefined the commercial value of women’s international cricket and resulted Utilita Bowl's best ever match day experience.

Finally, the Customer Retention Initiative of the Year is awarded for a county initiative that drives year-on-year customer retention, of either members or ticket buyers. Hampshire Cricket's 'Together As One' Membership renewal campaign increased the number of members to record levels in 2024 by building on a feeling of community, togetherness and family.