The Red Ball Showcase, which took place across all four days of Warwickshire’s Rothesay County Championship fixture against Glamorgan, saw over 4,000 people of all ages get behind the Bears.
Several initiatives were in place across four days of action, with the Bears bringing a new audience to the game, all whilst celebrating the players and people at the heart of the Club.
Over 1,500 school children from the local area were in attendance at Edgbaston Stadium on day one as part of Schools Day, where they watched as the Bears took two wickets with the new ball before Glamorgan countered with the bat.
Day two saw 2,000 people register for free tickets as part of ‘County Cricket Day’, a day aimed at celebrating County Championship cricket by giving as many people as possible the chance to see the game live, free of charge.
Also on the second day, several former players were in attendance for a Q&A with spectators and members at lunch, including Club legends Dennis Amiss, Jamie McDowall, Geoff Humpage, Asif Din, Kevin Kerr and Alex Thomson.
On the field, day three saw Warwickshire fightback, and off it long-serving Bears’ members were celebrated and recognised as part of Member Recognition Day.
Over 500 Members responded to the Club’s ‘Bears Innings’ survey, qualifying them for a commemorative pin badge recognising their length of membership at Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
In total, 30 of the Club’s longest-standing Members, that all have followed the Bears for 50 years or more, were invited to a celebratory meal with Club President, Jamie McDowall and former President Dennis Amiss.
Michael Smith, who has been a Member for 80 years since 1946 and Anthony (Tony) Collett, who has been a Member since 1951, were two of those present on the day.
On the final day, with both sides chasing victory before rain brought the game to a premature close, free entry was available for a second time during the match, with an additional 200 people making the most of the opportunity.
Gareth Howells, Head of Ticketing, Memberships & Hospitality, said: ““The Red Ball Showcase was a fantastic initiative that successfully encouraged more people of all ages to attend and enjoy red ball cricket at Edgbaston.
“It was also a brilliant opportunity to recognise and thank all of our Members, including some of our longest standing supporters who have stood by the Club through thick and thin, including during the Covid years, when many generously donated the value of their memberships back to the Club.
“This is something we are keen to continue building on in the future, with the aim of further increasing attendances across all red ball fixtures wherever possible, alongside our ever growing Member events calendar which now delivers a variety of initiatives throughout every month of the year.”