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Stadium Tours: The Edgbaston Experience by Rick Coleman
I am delighted to report that tours around our Edgbaston
Stadium continue to be as popular as ever and 2015 has
been just as busy, if not busier than previous years. The
new stand with its superb facilities continues to be the main
focus for those who book tours and as in previous years,
they never cease to be impressed with what they see.
The two Skyline terraces with their amazing view of
not just the Stadium but of the City Centre outlining the
Rotunda, Radisson Blu Hotel, Post Office Tower and Cube
invariably bring out the ‘wow’ factor and a sharp intake of
breath.
From there, the Press Suite with its 139 positions,
the Media Centre, Scorers’, P.A. and Control Rooms
each create their own particular interest with the various
Hospitality Suites, particularly the 650 capacity Banqueting
Suite also drawing great attention.
However, there is no doubt that the Players’ Area:
Changing and Dining Rooms are the highlight for most and
I am grateful to Keith Cook, Robin French and often the
players themselves who, even if in attendance, allow us a
quick peek into their outstanding facilities.
Whenever time allows, the Indoor Cricket Centre on the
far side of the car park and the more traditional museum
underneath the Wyatt stand also prove extremely popular
with visitors of all ages. Suffice it to say that the Stadium
holds an abundance of areas to explore each with its own
particular importance.
A pilot scheme with several Warwickshire and
Birmingham Primary Schools proved to be very successful.
On different days, between twenty and thirty youngsters
arrived at Edgbaston with their teachers at around 9.30am.
and were given a brief introduction before being shown
around the Stadium. Certain significant areas and facts
were pointed out to them before they made their way to the
classrooms in the Indoor Cricket Centre where they were
given a booklet containing worksheets for completion. Most
of these are based on National Curriculum with numeracy,
literacy, history and geography amongst the subjects
included - in a fun way, I hasten to add.
After a brief stop for a packed lunch, the group would
then enjoy some coaching and an indoor game of cricket.
It is hoped to expand on these later in this year and in 2016.
Tours take place throughout the year, generally on
Mondays and Tuesdays at 10am and 2pm and must be
booked in advance. Details can be found on the Edgbaston
website and you would be more than welcome to join one.
Finally, many thanks to Catherine, Grace and presently
Shauna for co-ordinating the tours from the Club offices.
Stunning Views
