Lancashire Cricket has confirmed the first men’s and women’s game to be played at the new multi-million pound Farington ovals.
Being built in Stanisfield Lane between Leyland and Lostock Hall the first Red Rose action will be on Tuesday 28 July when they play Kent Spitfires in a Metro Bank One-Day Cup fixture.
And they’ll then host Notts Outlaws on Thursday 30 July in the same competition.
Read more: Building work at Lancashire County Cricket Club ground in Farington officially completed
Two women’s fixtures have also been confirmed, with games in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup against Surrey on Thursday 3 September and Durham on Sunday 6 September. All matches are subject to ECB approval.
Confirmation of the fixtures comes as Lancashrie Cricket’s Board has approved an additional £300,000 being invested into the site.
It will go into additional seating, further ground equipment and additional CCTV and brings the total cost of the scheme to £20million.
Interim chair of Lancashire Cricket, Dame Sarah Storey, said: “Continued investment in our cricket facilities is fundamental to the long-term success of this Club. Emirates Old Trafford remains one of the great cricket grounds in the world, and it is our responsibility to ensure it continues to evolve and improve. At the same time, the development at Farington represents an exciting step forward – supporting our professional teams while creating new opportunities for communities and young cricketers across Lancashire to access world-class facilities.
“I would like to thank Lancashire County Council for their support and vision in helping bring this project to life. Having visited the site earlier this year, it is clear that it will become a significant long-term asset for Lancashire Cricket.
“I’m also keen to ensure that Farington becomes a fantastic venue for supporters to watch cricket. It’s incredibly encouraging to hear that more than 500 members have already registered their interest to preview the site in the coming weeks, and I hope they enjoy their first opportunity to look around.”
The state-of-the-art cricket site is due to include an indoor training dome to enable all-year-round training and play.
Work on the Leyland site has been undertaken in conjunction with Lancashire County Council and in February the Eric Wright Construction group handed control to Lancashire Cricket to make final preparations for opening this summer.
Cabinet member for economic development and growth at the Reform-led county council, Brian Moore, said: “This investment marks another significant step forward for the Farington project, creating a landmark facility that will transform opportunities for cricket across Lancashire.
“With professional-standard pitches, state-of-the-art training areas and dedicated community spaces, the site will provide opportunities for players of all ages and abilities. It will support the continued growth of Lancashire Cricket – including its development as a North West Centre of Excellence for the women’s game – while boosting local wellbeing, strengthening community pride and contributing to the county’s economy through long-term investment.”
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