The Kia Oval has played a central role in the history of English cricket. Established in 1845, it was the first English ground to host an international test match and is traditionally the location for the last match of the English season every year. It is also the permanent home of Surrey County Cricket Club – and has been since it opened – and represents a quintessential part of the London landscape that is a key place to visit for cricketing fans.
A Brief History Of The Kia Oval
The Oval was originally a market garden owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, but was released in order to create a cricket ground in the mid 1800s.
Over the years it has played host to some of the most memorable days in cricketing history – it was the first ground to host a foreign team and also the first where a match was forfeited (England v Pakistan in 2006).
Perhaps its most iconic moment was as the location where the Ashes was created in 1882, arguably cricket’s most famous competition. The Ashes came into being after The Sporting Times wrote an obituary of English cricket following Australia’s first Test win on English soil (at the Oval) that read "the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia." And so, The Ashes was born. Over the years the Oval has also hosted other sports, including rugby and football, but cricket remains its primary purpose.
Where Is The Kia Oval?
The Kia Oval is located in the London Borough of Lambeth, South London and is easily accessible, both for those based in London and outside of the capital.
London transport
- Underground – there are two underground stops that serve the Oval. Oval station is on the Northern Line and around 100 metres from the Oval itself. Vauxhall station on the Victoria line is just a ten minute walk.
- Bus – a number of London buses will take you to within five minutes walk of the Kia Oval, including 3, 59, 109, 133, 159 and 333. There are also three services that stop outside the Oval: 36, 185 and 436.
- Car – getting to the Kia Oval by car can be challenging, as there is no parking at the ground or the surrounding area on match days, other than for blue badge holders. The Oval is found on the A202, near the junction with the A3 and A24, but public transport is usually the better choice for those planning a day at the Kia Oval.
- Taxi or rail – South Western Railway runs trains to Vauxhall station, which is just ten minutes from the ground. Taxis are available from stations and locations all over London.
Kia Oval Hospitality Tickets And Experiences
Kia Oval hospitality tickets for the most memorable experiences, some of the most exclusive access and events are only available via hospitality packages.
Keith Prowse offers a range of options for Kia Oval hospitality, tailored for experience and for budget. Choose from exclusive VIP packages that provide access to some of the best views in the ground for the most exciting fixtures, from test matches to ODIs. Kia Oval hospitality is by far the best way to enjoy a day out in this iconic sporting setting. Location, food and drink are all provided for – all that’s left is to hope that your team delivers on the day.
Upcoming Events And Matches At The Kia Oval
For fans of cricket, the Kia Oval is a must visit, especially during the spring and summer months when fixtures are multiple and exciting. Whether you have an interest in local Surrey matches or you’re looking to see international fixtures and get Oval test match tickets, the options for sporting viewing are plentiful.
International fixtures for 2018 at the Kia Oval
- June 2018 – a One Day International (ODI) between England v Australia is scheduled for Wednesday 13th June 2018. This match will be the first of the England team’s 2018 summer season after their Ashes winter.
- September 2018 – for fans of test cricket, the key dates at the Kia Oval for 2018 are Friday 7th September – Tuesday 11th September. This Test match will be the Final Test of a five-Test series. It will see England face the world Number 1 side India.
Surrey fixtures
There are a number of Surrey teams that are affiliated with the Kia Oval, including the Surrey County Cricket Club First XI, the Second XI, the Academy and the Women’s team. Not all play matches regularly on the home ground but there are exciting fixtures throughout the year to look out for including:
- Surrey CCC First XI Royal London One Day cup – May and June 2018
- Surrey CCC First XI T20 Blast – dates throughout July and August 2018
- Surrey CCC First XI Specsavers CC 4 day match – dates through April – September 2018