Visit Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl's online store to get your hands on official replica and supporter kit as well as a range of other merchandise.
Kids go free across the Easter weekend (3–6 April) as Hampshire host Essex in the Rothesay County Championship, with the same offer available for Hampshire Women’s season opener on 11 April.
The 2026 cricket season begins at Utilita Bowl across the Easter weekend as Hampshire host Essex in the Rothesay County Championship from Friday 3 to Monday 6 April. The fixture marks the first opportunity for supporters to watch Hampshire at home this summer, with the venue opening its gates for the start of another season of county cricket.
A large County Championship crowd attended last year’s season opener against Yorkshire, played in warm spring sunshine, and another strong turnout is expected as fans return to Utilita Bowl to celebrate the start of the new campaign.
Kids Go Free
Families are encouraged to attend across the Easter weekend with free entry available for under-16s, who can simply enter the ground free of charge via the West Gate. Adult tickets are available from £15, and are cheaper when purchased in advance.
Ground regulations apply. All persons aged 14 or under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult, while 15–17 year olds may enter unaccompanied at the discretion of their parent or guardian.
Easter Trail Around Utilita Bowl
Young supporters can also take part in a free Easter Trail taking place across all four days of Hampshire v Essex. Children can collect an activity card from Utilita Bowl Store or matchday information point before setting off on an adventure around the ground in search of Easter checkpoints.
Once completed, the card can be returned to the Store where participants will receive a prize.
Hampshire Women Season Opener
Free entry for under-16s will also be available for Hampshire Women’s first match of the season, a Metro Bank One Day Cup fixture against Essex on Saturday 11 April. An activity card will again be available from Store for younger supporters to enjoy on the day.
Purchase adult tickets from just £10 for Hampshire Women’s Metro Bank One Day Cup fixtures via the link below.
Thatchers Cider is set to pour at Utilita Bowl after Hampshire Cricket agreed a new three-year partnership with the iconic British cider maker, running through to the end of the 2028 season.
