Lancashire Cricket Club is set to begin a new chapter in its history, announcing that its first matches will be played at the newly constructed Farington facility later in 2026. The £20 million development, located a few miles south of Preston in Lancashire, is designed to serve as a ‘second home’ for the club, bolstering both professional and grassroots cricket in the region. This move signifies a significant investment in the future of the sport within the county.
The purpose-built complex will initially host matches in the One-Day Cup, with the men’s team scheduled to face Kent on July 28th and Notts Outlaws on July 30th. The Lancashire women’s team will also utilize the new ground, playing 50-over competition matches against Surrey on September 3rd and Durham on September 6th. The facility boasts a 5,000-capacity hub, providing ample space for supporters to witness these inaugural fixtures.
Beyond match days, the Farington site is designed to be a comprehensive cricket center. It features two ovals – one dedicated to professional-level cricket and another specifically earmarked for recreational, youth and grassroots development. This dual focus underscores Lancashire Cricket’s commitment to nurturing talent at all levels of the game. The project also includes elite practice facilities, ensuring players have access to state-of-the-art training resources.
Further enhancing the facility’s capabilities, additional funding from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the government has facilitated the completion of an indoor training dome. This dome will provide players with year-round access to training facilities, mitigating the impact of inclement weather and allowing for consistent skill development. The ECB has been actively investing in improving cricket infrastructure across the country, and this project is a prime example of that commitment. More information on ECB initiatives can be found on their official website.
A Boost for Lancashire Cricket and the Community
The development of the Farington facility represents a substantial investment in Lancashire’s cricketing infrastructure. The new ground is expected to attract more fans to the sport and provide a modern, accessible venue for both domestic and potentially international matches in the future. The presence of two ovals allows for simultaneous training and matches, maximizing the utilization of the space and catering to a wider range of cricketing needs.
The location, just south of Preston, is strategically chosen to serve a broad catchment area. Preston itself, as noted by Wikipedia, is a city on the north bank of the River Ribble in Lancashire, and the new facility will be easily accessible to players and supporters from across the county and beyond. The aim is to create a vibrant cricketing hub that fosters a love of the game within the local community.
Match Schedule at Farington in 2026
- July 28th: Lancashire Men vs. Kent (One-Day Cup)
- July 30th: Lancashire Men vs. Notts Outlaws (One-Day Cup)
- September 3rd: Lancashire Women vs. Surrey (50-over competition)
- September 6th: Lancashire Women vs. Durham (50-over competition)
The addition of the Farington ground will provide Lancashire Cricket with greater flexibility in scheduling matches and training sessions. The club will now have two primary venues, allowing them to better manage demand and cater to the needs of both their professional and amateur players. Here’s particularly key as the club continues to develop its youth academy and nurture the next generation of cricketing talent.
Looking ahead, the Farington facility is poised to become a cornerstone of Lancashire Cricket’s operations. The club will be keen to build on the success of these initial matches and establish the ground as a premier cricketing destination. The investment in state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to grassroots development demonstrate Lancashire Cricket’s long-term vision for the future of the sport in the region. Further details regarding ticket sales and match-day information will be released by Lancashire Cricket Club in due course.
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