Old Trafford Cricket Stadium

Cricket, since the XVIII century, has become a truly national English sport. The first club of cricket fans was created in the 60s of the XVIII century in the city of Hambledon, Hampshire, and almost a century later this fashion reached Manchester - in 1857 the first matches were held at the site, later called Old Trafford.

It is home to the Lancashire County Cricket Club. Immediately after its creation, it was not very popular due to its remoteness from the city center. But already in 1884, Old Trafford held competitions with the status of the so-called test game. These are games with special regulations, to which only elite cricket clubs can be admitted. Since that time, the popularity of the field has grown, and with it the number of spectators has steadily increased. Competitions were not held here only during the First and Second World Wars.

At the beginning of the XXI century, a serious reconstruction was carried out at Old Trafford: a historic Victorian pavilion with an original facade, which is already 150 years old, was restored, a new VIP-lodge was also equipped, from where it is convenient to monitor the playing field through arched windows, luxury hotel rooms appeared equipped with a modern hall for meetings and business meetings.

All this is due to the fact that being a cricket fan in England is very prestigious. Very often, wealthy companies have their own box in the stadium. It is said that during matches the most important events take place in such boxes, and the game on the field serves only as a pleasant background for making financial transactions.