Information regarding on-site Car Parking for domestic cricket

Leicestershire County Cricket Club are very much looking forward to the return of spectators to the Uptonsteel County Ground on Thursday, 27 May for the upcoming LV= County Championship fixture v Middlesex.

The Club have an update on the situation relating to on-site car parking at the Uptonsteel County Ground for the upcoming two LV= County Championship games v Middlesex and Gloucestershire.  

The landscape of which the club are operating in has been ever-changing with complex guidance that has been received on short timeframes. As a venue, every decision and change to this seasons’ operations, has been made to follow the UK Government's guidance and to put the health and safety of all players, staff, members, fans and spectators at the highest priority.

All supporters at sporting venues across the country are being asked to expect a number of changes compared to times before the pandemic, this includes across the County Cricket circuit. The guidance for each ground differs dependent upon its configuration.

The details of changes to the Uptonsteel County Ground have been communicated to all ticket holders for the coming LV= County Championship matches vs Middlesex and Gloucestershire under separate cover.

A key issue for Leicestershire, regrettably, relates to on-site car parks. For the opening two LV= County Championship games at least, the on-site car parks cannot be opened to the public.

The Uptonsteel County Ground has been specifically configured to adhere to the Government and Governing Body advice. The guidance received states that professional athletes must be kept completely separate from the public whilst within the venue to protect the match. In order to achieve this, the home and away teams are based in the Pavilion End of the ground, therefore the spaces behind the Pavilion and the Commercial Flooring Company Stand are unavailable.

Everyone associated with the matchday - players, officials, umpires, first aid, stewards and essential staff - are travelling in individual cars, this, again, is based upon the guidance the Club have been instructed to adhere to. Dependent upon which role they are involved with on a matchday, they have dedicated areas to park in the main car park at the Bennett End. The areas must be separate from each other to prevent any people crossing over within their groups. This results in the car park having a minimum number of places remaining on-site, which the Club have dedicated to Blue Badge Holders.

The Club completely understand the inconvenience no on-site parking causes for Members, fans and supporters. The Club have been in constant communication with local authorities and have explored every possible avenue to try to find a solution to this.

The Club are monitoring the situation closely and as soon as the regulations allow, the car parks will be opened up. However at this stage, the Club cannot guarantee when and if the car parks will be available to the general public this season.

All Car Park season ticket holders have been sent a letter in the post with more information. The Club’s Covid Guarantee provides purchasers with complete financial protection. Should there be no solution for the remainder of the year, the Club will be back in contact at the end of the season with the details of how purchasers can claim either a refund, deferral or to donate your fees.

For now, the Club have secured free parking at the Saffron Lane Athletics Stadium site (LE2 7NQ), an approximate 10-15 minute walk to the ground. Please be aware that this car park is a non-staffed car park and cars will be parked at the owners’ own risk.

The Club would like to apologise for the inconvenience this causes. The landscape that the Club are working in still remains extremely difficult. Despite the current easing of lockdown, there remain a number of sacrifices that need to be made and the Club thank you for your cooperation, patience and support.

The Club have received a number of enquiries regarding the changes to the matchday experience. Staff are endeavouring to reply as quickly as possible.