Memories of hazy summer days fill my mind when I think of cricket. A quintessentially British sport, played by gentleman in nice jumpers bathed in summer sun. I recall the gentle sound of leather upon willow blending with the occasional sound of grasshoppers and the chirruping of birds. And suddenly my senses recall the smell of wild flowers and the sight of a cabbage whites fluttering between the lofty stems. Tea in the pavilion was one of my favourite parts of the game, triangle cut sandwiches and orange squash and the odd slice of cake or a cream tea. Yes, in my mind, the game of cricket is synonymous with hospitality. Leaving the stroll down memory road aside for the time being and focussing on cricket with less personal indulgence, it has to be agreed that the game is one that evokes a feeling for hospitality and gentlemanly countryside activities. Associations with good weather though, are probably being granted more poetic licence than the British weather truly allows I fear; sheltering in club houses and pitches covered in tarpaulin collecting puddles are a regular part of a test match held in the UK. When rain stops play, it can lead to a sense of anticipation unrivalled in other countries where play continues unerringly thanks to predictably good weather. For the spectator, the promise or unpredictability of good weather once made the difference between an enjoyable day at a cricket game catching a few rays and a day that is literally a wash out resulting in a several hour shiver under an umbrella. But not anymore! Thanks to the rise in popularity of the comfort and enjoyment of a hospitality package, being a spectator at a game no longer means suffering whilst the weather waters the pitch. New pavilions at prestigious grounds such as Lord's, Edgbaston and The Brit Oval can accommodate large numbers of spectators and provide excellent facilities for hospitality days out. Restaurants and bar areas provide packages that can include breakfast, a glass of champagne before a three course lunch and in true British style, an afternoon tea is provided too. In addition to this, there is often a complementary bar throughout the day and the provision of a souvenir programme and pass. Concentrating on the merits of the game, the hospitality package is not all about the food and drink and keeping dry. The price of a ticket includes the reservation of a seat with spectacular views of the game and the pavilion also provides an unrivalled view of the match. Cricket hospitality packages are often used as a corporate treat within a company. If this is the case and networking is on the cards distracting from the game at hand, television screens are conveniently placed so you can keep up with match action whilst negotiating the next business deal! These corporate and hospitality days out, most importantly capture the essence of the Englishness of old with the facilities and hospitality on offer. It may not be as poetic as my recollections of matches on rural village greens, or even in my grandparents back garden, but the modern game on offer still holds it's head high with polite pride. There may no longer be swathes of English gentlemen in aaron knit jumpers, but the sound of summer resonates in the willow and always will. Hospitality my dear friends is inherent in the game.
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