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Venue Information: Leicester

GRACE ROAD

Leicester, LE2 8AD
www.leicestershireccc.co.uk

VENUE OVERVIEW

The early years of the 18th century show that cricket arrived in Leicestershire from its birthplace in Kent, Sussex and Surrey. A reference is made in 1744 to cricket at Barrow-on-Soar.

The game became popular with framework knitters who were able to work hours to suit themselves which left afternoons free to practice or play the game. Most of these were in North Leicestershire in such places as Hathern, Long Whatton, Shepshed, Loughborough and adjoining villages, but the south around Hinckley, Lutterworth, Wigston and Fleckney were also prominent for the same reason.

In 1877, the Leicestershire Cricket Ground Co Ltd purchased 16 acres of land and laid out the Grace Road ground which was opened for cricket in 1878; the company levied a fee to the County Club for matches and practice and took 20% of gate receipts. In July 1878, the Australians played Leicestershire which was the first county to make a financial arrangement with the tourists. Some 30,000 watched during the three days - still a record for Leicestershire.

Since the purchase of Grace Road in 1965, the ground has been steadily developed as a first class venue. 1975 saw the debut of one D.I. Gower, without doubt the most talented and elegant batsman ever to represent Leicestershire and England, certainly for many decades.

The 1990s saw Leicestershire enjoy another highly successful period under the leadership of James Whitaker, winning the County Championship twice in the space of three years, 1996 and 1998.

The Club also reached two other Lord's finals in that period, finishing as runners-up in the 1992 NatWest Trophy and the 1998 Benson and Hedges Cup, a position which was also achieved in the 1994 County Championship and the 2001 Sunday League competition.

More recently, Leicestershire have emerged as the most successful county in the exciting new form of Twenty20 Cup cricket, reaching each of the first four Finals Days and lifting the trophy twice in three years, firstly at Edgbaston in 2004 and then Trent Bridge in 2006.

2015 Leicestershire unveiled a highly ambitious five-year business plan and a number of redevelopments are currently underway at the ground.

The first phase of the plan (January-May 2016) included floodlight installation, replacement of the Milligan Road wall, reducing the outfield area, and IT infrastructure. The building of a Sky gantry, three new radio boxes and restoration of the Maurice Burrows Stand, together with work to the Sky gantry at the Bennett End of the ground, forms the second part of the broadcasting project.

The second phase of the plan (from October 2016) includes redevelopment to the red seated stand in front of main reception, and refurbishment of the Meet.

Building of a permanent mid-wicket Sky gantry, just along from the Meet, is the third part of the broadcasting project in 2017.

Grace Road Leicester is 2.5 miles from the city centre

To find out to get to the stadium, go to www.leicestershireccc.co.uk

By Car:
From the M1 Motorway M69/M1 Junction 21, take the A5460 along Narborough Road for approximately one mile. At the traffic lights at the junction of the Premier Travel Inn, turn right into Braunstone Lane. After approximately one mile, at the T-junction turn left onto the A426 Aylestone Road. Continue along the A426 towards City Centre, after approximately 1.5 miles turn right onto Grace Road. Continue along Grace Road, take the 7th left hand turn onto Saffron Lane. For parking please use Saffron Lane Car Park (Aylestone Recreation Ground), there is no parking on site.

By Car: (from the City Centre and the Railway Station)
Take the A594 (Waterloo Way/Welford Road) heading south. Pass Leicester Tigers Rugby Club on your right and follow signs for A426 towards Rugby. Join Aylestone Road and pass car dealership on the left. After one mile, turn left into Grace Road. Continue along Grace Road, take the 7th left hand turn onto Saffron Lane. For parking please use Saffron Lane Car Park (Aylestone Recreation Ground), there is no parking on site.

Please respect the residential area around the ground and refrain from parking on the roads around the ground. Please use Saffron Lane Athletics Stadium (LE2 7NQ) as there is no parking on site. All car parking is subject to availability and charges.

By Bus:
Routes 84, 84A, 85, 87, 88 & 88A travel from Leicester City Centre towards Grace Road, Leicestershire. The bus will stop along the Aylestone Road or Saffron Lane.

CITY OVERVIEW

Leicester is an exciting cosmopolitan city with a proud history stretching back 2000 years.


Leicester is brimming with things to see and do, with state-of-the-art, award-winning venues including Curve, Highcross Shopping Centre, King Richard III Visitor Centre and the National Space Centre, a fantastic calendar of events and festivals, renowned museums and galleries, a range of cuisines, areas of natural beauty and ancient heritage.

A modern city, rich in arts, culture, sports and heritage, Leicester offers something of interest for all ages. Set in the heart of one of England's most attractive counties, the surrounding villages and countryside are easily reachable to explore.

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP CITY ACTIVITY

On the 26th June, cricket will take over Leicester city centre. People will have the chance to take part in fun, ‘have a go’ cricket activity across the city and experience the excitement of a major tournament in the area.

THINGS TO DO

To make the most of your trip, visit the Leicester Information Centre to plan what to do or visit the website; www.visitleicester.info

King Richard III Visitor Centre / Leicester Cathedral
Discover the incredible story of the king’s life and death, and one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told. On the site of the car park where King Richard’s remains lay undiscovered for over 500 years, the award-winning Visitor Centre uses beautiful design and 21st century technology to tell the captivating and at time controversial story of one of England’s most well-known monarchs.

Opposite you will find Leicester Cathedral, which is open daily for prayer and worship. It has over 900 years of history to share, from the remains of the Norman Church to the Victorian restoration and beyond, fine stained glass and of course the tomb of King Richard III.
www.kriii.com
www.leicestercathedral.org

GuildhallOne of the best-preserved timber framed halls in the country, dating back 600 years. The Guildhall is home to the medieval Leicester Galleries. Walk the streets of medieval Leicester and uncover a world both familiar and very different to our own!
www.visitleicester.info/musuems

New Walk Museum and Art Gallery
Leicester’s original museum has wide ranging collections and displays spanning the natural and cultural world. A family friendly day out, its galleries include ancient Egypt, The Dinosaur Gallery, Wild Space, World Arts and The Victorian Art Gallery as well as others.
www.visitleicester.info/museums

Leicester Lane’s, St Martin’s Square and Arcades
Adjacent to the Cathedral Quarter you will find a treasure trove of tucked-away exciting emporiums, boutiques and niche stores in which to lose yourself. Plus award-winning bars and delis, restaurants and quaint traditional tearooms. The area includes quirky St Martin’s Square and several unique arcades.
www.stmartinssquare.co.uk

General Spectator Information

  1. Download the official ICC app

  2. Share the excitement and get your friends to sign up to receive tournament information https://www.icc-cricket.com/register

  3. Buying official Women’s World Cup merchandise www.icccricketstore.com

  4. Visit the ticketing site to buy tickets

  5. Share your experience by using #WWC17 now and on a match day

  6. See the when it’s on tour www.icc-cricket.com/womensworld-cup/trophy-tour/overview

  7. Gates open two hours before the scheduled start of play

  8. There will be a good variety of food and drinks on offer for adults and children

  9. Visit the Fanzone in the stadium and have a go at the activities on offer

  • Pick up a bat and ball and have a go in our cricket clinics
  • Sign the graffiti ball and send a message to your team
  • Have a photo with the giant Hashtag #WWC17
  • Have a go at the craft activities on offer
  • ICC sponsors will also be running fun activities in the Fanzone so head over to take part!

  1. Collect your activity pack at the gates [available to all children]

  2. Keep an eye on the big screens throughout the match for competitions, prizes and activities

  3. Celebrate with your team and watch the post-match presentation before leaving

  4. Remember that the venues have very little shelter so it is advised to dress for the weather; rain coats for the wet and sun cream and hats for the sun

Prohibited Items

For a full list of what you can and can’t take into the venues, please go to https://womensworldcup.tickets.icc-cricket.com

Upon entering the stadium, you will be requested to go through a security check, so please allow time to do this.

Be safe, if you see something, say something to a volunteer or steward

Cricketeers

Look out for Cricketeers on match days.

The Cricketeers are here to help you on your match day. The Cricketeers will be located at major travel locations and around the venue to assist with any questions you may have. Cricketeers will be along the designated walking routes to ensure you find your way to the venue.

We look forward to welcoming you to the match day host city.