The KIA Oval

The Oval, known as the KIA Oval for sponsorship reasons, is one of the world’s most famous sports grounds. Situated in the heart of the capital its saga stretches back to 1845 and is today considered to be one of the most historically important cricket grounds in the UK.

Home to Surrey County Cricket Club The Oval has played host to international cricket since 1880 and perhaps most significantly was the birthplace of the Ashes in 1882 after the first test match in the UK between England and Australia.

The grounds have been continually improved over the years, with impressive stands to raise capacity and specialised floodlights designed to reduce glare and enable better conditions for late day/evening fixtures and there are long term plans to develop the facilities further to transform The Oval into the largest cricket stadium in the western hemisphere.

In its earliest history, The Oval was also influential in other sports and was the site of the first FA Cup Final, as well as hosting several Rugby Union matches until the late 19th century. In modern times the grounds have traditionally hosted the final test match of the summer.

The Oval has extensive hospitality suites throughout the grounds which provide excellent views of the pitch and the surrounding area and on non-match days can be hired for conferences or other similar events.