MIDLANDS HURRICANES managing director Eorl Crabtree is hoping more Warwickshire cricket fans make the short hop from Edgbaston to the Alexander Stadium to take in a Championship match of a different kind next year.
A continuing partnership between the clubs means Hurricanes season-ticket holders can watch the county for free in both four and one-day home matches, while Warwickshire members gain free entry to Midlands’ home games in Rugby League’s Championship.
Ambitious Midlands hope the higher profile of the new-look merged second tier will bring new followers.
And cricket fans are among the groups targeted as they try to further establish themselves in the second city, where they have played since a rebrand from Coventry Bears which took place four years ago.
Midlands have finished fifth in League One for two seasons running, while Warwickshire, whose historic Edgbaston home is around seven miles from the Alexander Stadium, were fifth in a Championship First Division won by Nottinghamshire.
While the 13-a-side Championship starts on the weekend of January 17/18, with fixtures out tomorrow (Tuesday, December 2), Warwickshire’s first four-day match is at home to Surrey, starting on Friday, April 3.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Warwickshire County Cricket Club,” said Crabtree.
“This collaboration is rooted in community and creating real value for local families.
“Giving our season-ticket holders free access to more than 30 days of cricket at Edgbaston is a fantastic added benefit, offering more chances to enjoy live sport.
“We’re excited to keep building these connections and supporting our communities side by side.
“We are aware that some Warwickshire members took advantage of last season’s relationship to take in a Hurricanes game, which was great to see.
“We’re looking forward to hopefully seeing more members take advantage of this great offer and maximising the amount of sport they get to watch in Birmingham.”