Billed as `twice the action; half the time', the new Twenty20 Cup cricket competition being launched at The Rose Bowl appears to be an appealing concept as over one thousand tickets have already been booked within the first week of sales.

At 5.30pm on Friday, 13th June, the Hampshire Cricket team will face the Sussex squad for two hours and 45 minutes of fast-forward cricket that should produce a summer's evening full of high scores and fast action. Following on from the cricket action, The Rose Bowl will also be hosting a live concert starring both Mis-Teeq and D'Side plus additional supporting acts.

With all seating around The Rose Bowl being allocated, the Hampshire Cricket membership and ticket office has been inundated with enquiries and bookings for the reserved seating, car park spaces and new park & ride facility.

"The telephone has just not stopped ringing." said membership and ticketing manager, Jill Smithers. "There has obviously been incredible interest from our members, but interestingly, the fast action concept and the after-match concert are proving a big hit with a much wider audience, including office and business social groups planning a great Friday night out, school parties and many people who would not normally be attracted to a standard cricket match. They are all anticipating a really great atmosphere around the ground."

The Rose Bowl has also had considerable interest for the special `hospitality' package that provides a hot supper and complimentary bar of beer, house wine and soft drinks for £60 per person.

The Twenty20 Cup is the first brand new competition for county cricket for almost 30 years.

Tickets covering both the cricket match and the concert are £15 for adults and £10 for under sixteens and senior citizens Further information and advance tickets can be obtained on 0870 243 0291.

Ends

Issued by: Hampshire Cricket

Press Contact: Jane Kerr 07976 549705

Simon Daly

Sales Manager - The Rose Bowl

Tel. 023 8047 2002

Fax. 023 8047 2122

Mob. 07766 505794