Latest developments at Bristol County Ground
8 May 2020
Gloucestershire Cricket have continued to work on developing the Bristol County Ground, with additions aimed at improving the spectators’ experience including new street art from Silent Hobo.
Supporters who enjoy taking in the beautiful game from the Hammond Sports Bar will now have increased visibility thanks to the relocation of the staircase leading up to the Hammond Roof. The stairs, which previously stood next to the Bristol Pavilion entrance, has been moved to the far side of the roof meaning spectators will have no visual obstructions.
Bristol County Ground Update ℹ️
— Gloucestershire Cricket🏏 (@Gloscricket) February 20, 2020
The stairs leading up to the Hammond Roof have been demolished by @Drill_Cut_UkLtd in order to create more viewing space from the Hammond Bar.
Keep a look out for further developing updates👌👍#GoGlos💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/LCk8W162eQ
The interior of the Hammond Sports Bar has undergone major reconstruction which began earlier in the year and was scheduled to finish prior to the start of the season. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing measures that Government have put in place, the completion date has naturally been pushed back. However, work continues to be done in small parts and will be completed in advance of any cricket that takes place at the ground.
Silent Hobo, the street artist who gave the Bristol County Ground a makeover in July 2019 was invited back to add some more colour and vibrance; the two groundsmen’s huts were his canvases on this occasion.
The hills of North Gloucestershire provide the backdrop on what is an environmentally focused piece that encapsulates the wider county landscape. Blue skies, natural vegetation and wild animals feature prominently to showcase the beauty of this part of the world and what can be preserved with conservation in mind.
The drystone wall that lines the bottom of the larger hut will be where new bike racks will be placed to account for the growing number of cyclists in the Bristol area and Gloucestershire Cricket’s push to encourage more fans to visit via public transport or on two wheels.
Silent Hobo worked with the Club last Summer prior to the first Vitality Blast match at Bristol to bring life to the ground and create a stronger link to the city – now established as an international tourist attraction for its variety of street art – and the colourful Gloucester Road.
The street art designs reimagined scenes from cricket’s past – including a giant depiction of the legendary Gloucestershire cricketer WG Grace – and place male and female cricketers, young and old, in a contemporary setting within famous Bristol landmarks.
