We have entered the crunch period of the Vitality Blast campaign with the games coming thick and fast. Following Friday’s win over Kent Spitfires, the Eagles travel to Hove on Saturday afternoon before returning home on Sunday to face table-topping Surrey in the final group match at The Cloud County Ground this season.
Gates will be open from 12:30pm ahead of the 2:30pm will include a host of activities and entertainment for spectators of all ages to enjoy, including live music in the Fanzone and children’s entertainers. There will also be a chance to meet the team after play with a signing session taking place in the Eagles Area.
Play is scheduled 5:15pm, leaving plenty of time to catch the Euro 2024 Final which begins at 8pm on Sunday evening. Please note that the match will not be screened at The Cloud County Ground.
The Club are also partnering with First Bus again to offer ticket holders free bus travel to and from The Cloud County Ground. Ticket holders can find further information in their Match Pack which we be sent by email to the ticket purchaser on Saturday.
At the innings break, two pairs of spectators will compete in the Thatchers Apple Roll challenge to win a Thatchers gift pack. To be in with a chance of taking part, enter here. All entrants but be ticket holders and be over the age of 18.
Gates Opening Times:
Gates will open at 12:30pm and spectators can enter the ground at the Main Entrance on New Writtle Street or the Tees River Gate, located via Sky Blue Pastures. This is the closest entrance to Chelmsford City Centre and the Bus and Train stations.
Spectators are advised to arrive early to allow ample time to enter the ground and locate your seat. Bag checks will be in operation on entry to the ground and security will be present throughout the fixture.
Matchday Timings:
Gates Open: 12:30pm
Toss: 2pm
First Innings: 2:30pm – 3:45pm
Interval: 3:45pm – 4pm
Second Innings: 4pm – 5:15pmpm
In-Ground Entertainment:
• New for 2024 is the Essex Fanzone, where supporters can purchases drinks, enjoy the beer garden and soak up the atmosphere.
• Look out for Eddie and Ellie the Eagles who will on the concourse from 12:30pm with an opportunity for selfies!
• Pick up your 4/6 cards on the gates when you arrive, plus your Blast glasses, t-shirts and activity books for our young Eagles fans.
• Thanks to our Principal Partners Woodland Group, junior fans will have the chance to win a T20 replica shirt and be our Young Eagle of the Match.
• At the innings break, two pairs of spectators will compete in the Thatchers Apple Roll challenge. To be in with a chance of taking part, enter here. To enter you must be a ticket holder and be over the age of 18.
Matchday Purchases:
The Cloud County Ground is a cashless ground, which includes all food and drink purchases in the Doug Insole Pavilion and concourse areas. The Essex Cricket Store is located behind the Doug Insole Pavilion and is the only location which accepts both card and cash payments.
Accessibility:
Accessible parking:
Due to increased demand on parking spaces, there are a very limited number of spaces located at The Cloud County Ground on a first-come, first-served basis. Those with accessibility requirements are recommended, where possible, to take advantage of our drop off system where cars can drop passengers with accessibility requirements and their companions as close to the gate as possible.
Accessible Seating:
Accessible seating is located in The Kenton Group Stand and in Block 1 of the Tom Pearce Stand Lower for this game.
Carers can enter the ground on a companion ticket which is free of charge and must be arranged in advance. This is upon the presentation in the Membership & Ticketing Office or on the gate with proof of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people under 16 years old.
We can also accept a Blue Badge and Access card.
Accessible Toilets:
Wheelchair accessible toilets are located behind the main scoreboard (Red Area), rear of the Doug Insole Pavilion (Blue Area) and adjacent to Block 25 at County Corner (Green Area).
New toilets are open for all spectators by Block 31, which includes wheelchair accessible cubicles. A Changing Places facility are also available by the Graham Gooch Cricket Centre
Ahead of Your Visit:
In the event of adverse weather conditions on the day of the match, please keep up to date with the prospects of play via the Club’s Twitter and Facebook channels.
Please note that the Prospect of Play phone line is no longer in use and all updates will be available online.
Travel:
Parking:
• Spectators travelling by car will need to locate a public car park in the proximity of the ground as there is no parking available on-site at The Cloud County Ground.
• The High Chelmer multi-storey will be extending it’s opening times until 6pm.
• Essex Members are able to pre-book parking at Meteor Way car park for £2. It is essential to pre-book online as spaces on the day cannot be guaranteed. Book your parking space here.
Public Transport:
• Essex Cricket have recently announced a partnership with First Bus. Ticket holders will be able to claim free bus travel on the day of the fixture. A code to claim the free travel within the First Bus app will be circulated via the Match Pack sent on Saturday.
• Chelmsford Bus Station is situated on Duke Street, next to Chelmsford Train Station, with connections to all over the County. Alternatively, bus numbers 13, 46 and C1 shuttles, stop on New London Road, which is approximately a two-minute walk to the Ground, via New Writtle Street.
• Chelmsford Railway Station is operated by Greater Anglia and is an approximate 10-minute walk from The Cloud County Ground. Regular direct train services depart from Chelmsford to London, Stratford, Shenfield, Romford, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich. Chelmsford is situated on the Liverpool Street to Norwich mainline.
Ground Entry:
Spectators are able to enter the ground via the Main Gate located on New Writtle Street or through the Tees River Gate. Please enter through the gate nearest your seat location.
Members:
• The Doug Insole Pavilion is open for Members upon the presentation of a valid ticket. This area accessible by entering the ground through the Main Gate.
General Public Seating:
• Supporters who have purchased tickets can enter the ground by scanning the QR on your tickets that has been sent to you via email following your purchase. If you choose to print out your ticket, please ensure that the match details (including name and seat details) are included as per the image below. Make sure you have your match ticket available on your phone or printed out so it is easily accessible for ticket scanning on arrival. Please do not take a ‘screen grab’ of your QR code as that will not be read by the scanners.
• The Eagles Area will be in use throughout the Vitality Blast. Seating in the Eagles Area is unallocated and on a first-come-first-served basis. You will not be able to enter the Eagles Area if you have bought an allocated ticket. There is also a section of unallocated seating in Block 26a.
• In the event of rain forecast on the day of the match, spectators can bring a small umbrella into the ground but metal spiked umbrellas are not permitted.
• Please note, Blocks 27, 28 and 29 are strictly alcohol-free. If you are seated in those Blocks you will not be permitted to take an alcoholic beverage to your seat.
Around the Ground:
• Spectators are not permitted to enter the field of play during a T20 match.
• Spectators are permitted to move behind the Doug Insole Pavilion but please respect the players’ area and walkway.
• The Club Store and Membership & Ticketing Office will be open for spectators for the duration of your visit.
• If you experience any anti-social or discriminatory behaviour during your visit to The Cloud County Ground then, please contact your nearest steward. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or text ‘RESPECT’ including your stand and issue to 60066.
• Public Wi-Fi is available at The Cloud County Ground for every matchday giving you the opportunity to share photos and videos of your Eagles experience. Simply logon to ‘EC-Public’ from your seat to access.
• Fab Little Bag dispensers are located in all female and unisex toilets to allow an easy, discreet and environmentally friendly disposal of sanitary products.
• The Club has installed a faith and reflection room. This is available to spectators throughout the duration of the match and is located within the Graham Gooch Cricket Centre.
• There is a sensory and family room situated near the Tees River Gate. Should you need to use it, please contact your nearest steward.
• The Medical Centre is located opposite the Main Entrance. If you require medical attention please make your way there or contact your nearest steward.
Food & Drink:
• The Food Court is located in the blue area of the ground by the Essex Cricket Store where Anne’s Pantry will be offering a variety of food, including gourmet burgers, bratwurst and hog roast.
• Enjoy cream teas and Prosecco which will be served on the Tiptree cream tea traditional double decker bus, located in the Fanzone area.
• The Greedy Vegan food van will be at the ground, serving a wide variety of vegan meals including loaded fries, vegan hot dogs and mac and cheese.
• Enjoy a range of spirits and cocktails at the Gin & Fizz bar by the Essex Fanzone.
• The Level Head Bar returns for 2024 in the Essex Fanzone and is the perfect space to relax with a drink in the beer garden and soak in the atmosphere.
• A new addition for this year is the 152 Bar. Located in the Essex Fanzone, the bar celebrates the heroics of Graham Napier’s world record innings and the most memorable T20 innings ever played at Chelmsford.
• The Doug Insole Pavilion will be welcoming Members with valid tickets through its doors and serving a wide range of hot and cold drinks from the bar. A choice of snacks will also be available to purchase.
• Anne’s Pantry will be offering a choice of homemade curries and other hot meals, cakes/snacks, and drinks from their refreshment kiosks located at the Graham Gooch and Sir Alastair Cook ends as well as in the Food Court.
They will be serving a range of meals suitable for all dietary requirements including vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free, as well as children’s portions.
• Other refreshment kiosks include bar areas located at either end of the ground in County Corner and Spinner’s Bar.
• Spectators are not permitted to bring alcohol into the ground for Vitality Blast fixtures. However, food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed providing there is no glass or sharp objects, including cutlery.
• The Cloud County Ground is a cashless ground, so please make sure you bring a suitable method of payment for your visit.
Leaving the Ground:
Please note, the Euro 2024 Final will not be shown at The Cloud County Ground.
During T20 fixtures, spectators are not allowed to re-enter the ground after leaving.
At the conclusion of the game, we ask that spectators leave the ground in a safe and patient manner. Stewards will be on hand to help direct you safely out of the ground.
We hope you have an enjoyable visit to The Cloud County Ground and further information regarding the match, including squad announcements and a full match preview will be available on essexcricket.org.uk ahead of the match.
Get in touch with us by email if you have any further questions at [email protected] or via the Club’s official Twitter and Facebook channels.
Watch to watch the action
Fans can watch a live stream of the action via the Essex Cricket Matchzone where replays and statistics will also be available.
Commentary on the game will be provided by BBC Essex radio and can be accessed via the live stream or the BBC website.
