New Edgbaston Already Paying For Itself

After reflecting on the tremendous action in the Friends Life T20 Finals Day at Edgbaston on Saturday, the new £32m redevelopment of the Edgbaston Cricket Ground is already paying for itself and is proving a major financial boost for Warwickshire and the local economy, say Colin Povey, Chief Executive, Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Jerry Blackett, Chief Executive, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.

Over 90,000 fans attended the 3rd npower Test Match between England and India two weeks ago and over 24,000 more cricket supporters including those from Hampshire, Somerset, Leicestershire and Lancashire descended upon Edgbaston to attend the Friends Life T2O Finals Day. For some, this was their first visit to Birmingham and for many spectators this was their first opportunity to witness first-hand the new facilities which has made Edgbaston one of the leading Test and County cricket grounds in the world.

Colin said: "Edgbaston is proving a tremendous success and such a major asset to this region. With over 110,000 watching major matches in the past two weeks here alone, this is already proving to be a multi-million pound boost for Birmingham and the West Midlands Region.

"However Edgbaston is not just about cricket. The Banqueting and Conferencing facilities together with our outstanding catering and community facilities means we are an all-year-round venue and, despite the cricket season shortly coming to a close, Edgbaston will continue to thrive and bring local benefits year-on-year."

Jerry Blackett, Chief Executive, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce said; ‘With cricket of this calibre taking place in this city, Birmingham is rightly seen as a world class brand. Not only does Warwickshire benefit reputationally and financially but so too do the Birmingham and West Midlands economies.

"Fans, friends and the media were here using local hotels, bars, transport, restaurants and shops. That has to be good news for Birmingham and all the people who work and live here."