Rose Bowl set for landmark ticket sale

Tickets for the inaugural Test to be played at the Rose Bowl will be released in phases, with the first available on Wednesday

Tickets for the first Test to be staged at the Rose Bowl go on sale to Hampshire members tomorrow at 8.45am.

England take on Sri Lanka in next summer’s opening tour and the three-match series will culminate at Hampshire’s home, starting on Thursday 16 June.

In a phased release, the general public will be allowed access to the best seats in the house – right behind the bowler’s arm – from Monday 25 October.

Phase two will see main arena seating, including family and alcohol-free areas, being released from Friday 29 October and the final phase will see the upper tier temporary seating released at a later date, which is to be confirmed.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: “On Thursday 16 June 2011, the Rose Bowl will make history by becoming the first venue on the south coast to host a Test match – England vs Sri Lanka in the npower series.

“It is the culmination of more than a decade’s worth of preparation and planning and the realisation of a dream for everyone connected with the club.”

Wednesday will also see the release of tickets for the second NatWest Series one-day international between England and India on Tuesday 6 September.