Everything you need to know

We're delighted to be welcoming hospitality guests back to Edgbaston for the LV= insurance Test Match between England and New Zealand, from Thursday 10 June 2021.

Edgbaston Stadium has been selected as a pilot event as part of the government’s Events Research Programme (ERP). This means that circa 18,000 fans will be able to watch live cricket each day.

Everyone attending will need to agree to be part of the research programme and complete a negative NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test before being admitted to Edgbaston and as a pilot event, this will preclude anyone under the age of 16 being allowed to attend.

This page contains all of the information you need to know before attending the event. Please read this carefully as it contains important information about testing and planning your visit.

All spectators must complete a consent form to attend the event, you can access the form here.

FAQs: England v New Zealand Test

What is the Events Research Programme (ERP)?

The government’s publication of 22 February, ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, describes plans to explore when and how events with larger crowd sizes, less social distancing, or in settings where transmission is more likely, will be able to return safely.

The government’s Events Research Programme will oversee this work, bringing findings from across different settings and different sectors to determine a consistent approach to lifting restrictions on events to inform Step 4 of the roadmap from 21 June.

The Events Research Programme will use pilot events incorporating research studies in April, May and June 2021 to build evidence on the risks associated with coronavirus transmission, the characteristics of events and surrounding activities, and the extent to which mitigation measures can effectively address these risks. The evidence from these studies will be used to inform the government’s decision around Step 4 of the roadmap and will shape government policy to bring about the phased return of fuller audiences to venues and events up and down England.

The pilot events will examine a range of factors, including but not limited to: indoor and outdoor settings; small and large venues; seated and standing events; different forms of audience participation; transport to and from events; duration; and ventilation.

How is this match exempt from current COVID-19 restrictions?

The Secretary of State has the power to designate an event as being permitted for research purposes and therefore not subject to the legal restrictions which would apply to other events under Step 3 of the government’s roadmap. The LV= Insurance Test Match between England and New Zealand, being held at Edgbaston Stadium, is going ahead as a Pilot Event as part of the Events Research Programme.

All hospitality guests at Edgbaston are required to complete a Consent Form which confirms their agreement to the terms and conditions of the event and their participation in the Events Research Programme. The deadline to submit this form is Friday 4 June 2021.

Can under-16s attend this fixture?

Unfortunately, as an Events Research Programme fixture, under-16s are not allowed to attend.

We are sorry about this but it is not something we can control. If your party includes an under 16 place, please contact your account manager to discuss your options. Alternatively you can contact us at enquiries@keithprowse.co.uk

When will I receive my documentation?

We will be issuing e-tickets for each hospitality guest at Edgbaston 2021. Detailed instructions of how and when to download the e-tickets will be emailed to the lead booker.

The consent form is asking for a Booking ID. Where can I find this?

You can find your booking ID by logging into My Account or on the email we sent you about the Events Research Programme. 

What are the Testing Requirements?

By attending the fixture, you consent to taking part in COVID-19 testing, as part of the ERP and this takes the form of two testing methods.

Firstly, all hospitality guests must show a negative COVID-19 NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test on entry (via email or SMS). You need to book your home test kit yourself via the gov.uk website. The negative test must be conducted and recorded on the gov.uk website within 24 hours before the day you are attending.

Failure to provide a negative NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test result will mean entry to the venue is refused.

Secondly, to aid the research, you are also requested to undertake a PCR at home test as close as possible to the event day and again five days after attendance at the event. Using the home address information provided in the Consent Form all for attendees, you will be sent a home testing kit directly which will contain two PCR tests.

Full details about the PCR test will be sent to you in the post.

Will social distancing be in place for the Test Match?

You will be asked to maintain social distancing throughout the day in all hospitality facilities.

Will I need to wear a face covering?

Spectators will be asked to ensure that face coverings are worn at all times at Edgbaston except when you are seated at your table or consuming food and drink in your match seat.

Will hospitality guests require any form of testing and COVID verification in order to enter the venue?

Entry to Edgbaston on each day of the LV= Insurance Test Match will be dependent on providing a negative NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test result (via email or SMS), and the test must be taken no more than 24 hours before of the day you are attending.

Will hospitality guests have to pay for testing?

No. All testing is free in relation to the Events Research Programme.

NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Tests are free to order online via the gov.uk website.

How do participants prove they have had a Lateral Flow test?

Once a NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test has been completed (within 24 hours before the day you are attending), you must log your negative result via the gov.uk website.

You will then receive a text or email from NHS Test & Trace which you will need to present to the stewards at Edgbaston prior to entry. It is essential that you bring this proof with you on the day as without it, entry to the venue will be refused.

What are the requirements for PCR testing at home?

To aid the research, spectators are also requested to undertake a PCR at home test as close as possible to their attendance at the event and again five days after attendance.

Using the home address information provided when you completed your consent form, you will be sent a home testing kit directly which will contain 2 PCR tests – you no longer need to request these yourself. Entry to Edgbaston is not dependent on a PCR test being taken. The PCR test will be used for the research programme to better inform future testing regimes and is a voluntary step.

Full ‘COVID-19 Home Test Instructions’ are contained within the pack that comes with the PCR test. You can report your results here.  

Do I still need to get tested if I have had one or two doses of the vaccine?

Yes. Testing is a requirement of attending this event and you should follow the protocol outlined regardless of whether you have received the vaccine or not.

For more information visit Edgbaston.com