Last updated by Jemima Todd on 30th September 2026

Ashes history is heading to Southampton. In summer 2027, the Utilita Bowl will host a Men’s Ashes Test for the very first time, as England and Australia meet for the fourth Test of one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries. From Wednesday 21st to Sunday 25th July 2027, the Hampshire venue will take its place on the Ashes stage — a landmark moment in its international cricket story and one of the standout fixtures of England’s 2027 summer.

The occasion will form part of an important summer for the Utilita Bowl, with England Women also facing Australia at the ground in a Metro Bank Women’s Ashes ODI on Tuesday 13th July.

Cricket supporters can already explore official premium tickets and hospitality for England fixtures at the Utilita Bowl through Seat Unique.

Explore England Cricket hospitality at the Utilita Bowl with Seat Unique.

Register Interest for Ashes Hospitality as the Utilita Bowl

When is the Ashes at the Utilita Bowl in 2027?

The Utilita Bowl will stage the fourth Test of the five-match Rothesay Men’s Ashes series from Wednesday 21st to Sunday 25th July 2027.

The full Men’s Ashes schedule is:

  • First Test: Friday 18th to Tuesday 22nd June — Trent Bridge
  • Second Test: Wednesday 30th June to Sunday 4th July — Lord’s
  • Third Test: Thursday 8th to Monday 12th July — Edgbaston
  • Fourth Test: Wednesday 21st to Sunday 25th July — Utilita Bowl
  • Fifth Test: Thursday 29th July to Monday 2nd August — Kia Oval

That places Southampton at a potentially significant point in the series, with only the Kia Oval Test remaining once play concludes on the south coast.

The 2027 summer will also see the Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Disability Ashes series taking place in England, making Australia’s visit one of the major events on the cricket calendar.

Why the 2027 Ashes is a landmark for the Utilita Bowl

Although the Utilita Bowl is well established as an international cricket venue, 2027 will mark its first opportunity to stage a Men’s Ashes Test.

The ground first hosted a men’s ODI in 2003 before becoming a Test venue in 2011, when England played Sri Lanka. It has since welcomed international opposition across Test, ODI and IT20 cricket.

Hosting England against Australia in a Men’s Ashes Test therefore represents a significant addition to the venue’s international history.

The ground has also become an important home for major domestic cricket as Hampshire’s home venue, while regularly welcoming England fixtures and major limited-overs matches.

The Women’s Ashes is also coming to Southampton

The Men’s Test will not be the Utilita Bowl’s only Ashes fixture in 2027.

England Women will face Australia in a Metro Bank Women’s Ashes ODI at the ground on Tuesday 13th July 2027, eight days before the Men’s Test begins. The match will be the first of three ODIs between the sides, followed by fixtures at Lord’s and Edgbaston.

It means Southampton will have two opportunities to host England v Australia during a major summer of international cricket.

The Utilita Bowl’s international cricket history

The arrival of the Ashes builds on more than 20 years of international cricket at the Utilita Bowl.

After staging its first men’s ODI in 2003, the venue reached another milestone in 2011 when England faced Sri Lanka in its inaugural Test match. Since then, the ground has staged England matches against leading international sides including India, South Africa, West Indies and Australia.

The stadium also played a particularly important role during the disrupted 2020 international summer, when it hosted matches behind closed doors under biosecure conditions.

Its amphitheatre-style design and established hospitality facilities have helped the Utilita Bowl develop into one of England’s regular international venues. There is also an on-site Hilton hotel overlooking the pitch, giving visitors the option to extend their stay around a matchday.

What England Cricket hospitality is available at the Utilita Bowl?

Seat Unique provides access to official premium tickets and hospitality packages for England Cricket at the Utilita Bowl, including the 2027 Ashes Test.

Hospitality experiences at the venue can include premium seating, access to dedicated restaurants and suites, food and drink, private bars and enhanced facilities, depending on the package selected. Private boxes can also provide balcony seating overlooking the pitch for groups. Exact inclusions vary by fixture and package.

The venue has previously offered hospitality across spaces including the Shane Warne Suite, Robin Smith Suite, BEEFY’S By Lord Botham Restaurant and Hampshire Suite, alongside private box experiences.

For an Ashes Test stretching across as many as five days, hospitality provides another way to experience one of international cricket’s most established rivalries, whether attending with family, friends, colleagues or clients.

Explore England v Australia hospitality at the Utilita Bowl with Seat Unique.

Register Interest for Ashes Hospitality as the Utilita Bowl

A major summer awaits at the Utilita Bowl

The first Men’s Ashes Test at the Utilita Bowl will add a new chapter to the venue’s international story.

England and Australia will arrive in Southampton for the fourth Test on Wednesday 21st July, before the series moves to the Kia Oval for its conclusion. Earlier in the month, the venue will also play its part in the Women’s Ashes when England and Australia meet in ODI cricket.

For the Utilita Bowl, 2027 will therefore be about more than hosting another international fixture. More than 20 years after its first men’s ODI and 16 years after becoming a Test ground, Southampton will host the Men’s Ashes for the first time.

Secure official England Cricket premium tickets and hospitality at the Utilita Bowl with Seat Unique.

Register Interest for Ashes Hospitality as the Utilita Bowl