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Sharks Stand, the 1st Central County Ground: view, shade and what to expect

The Sharks Stand curves around the south-western corner of the 1st Central County Ground, Hove, between the Spen Cama Pavilion and South Stand. Sussex recommends it for the energy of a Blast evening as well as county cricket. Older directions may call it the South West Stand.

Hove visitor guide · Accessibility at Hove

At a glance: Sharks Stand

PositionAngled side-on view
Roof coverPartly covered seating
MorningSun
AfternoonMixed
Step-free accessCheck with Sussex

The view

The south-western angle

The view changes as the seating turns around the corner. Towards the Pavilion you see more of the square from the side; towards the South Stand the bowling angle becomes more end-on.

Covered and open rows

The central canopy gives rear seating some shelter, while front positions and outer blocks remain open. The stand gets morning sunshine and mixed sun and shade after lunch. Front rows catch more sun. Bring a waterproof even if you choose a sheltered row, and ask about any railings, pillars or restricted-view seats on the current plan.

County days and Blast evenings

Sussex’s ground information includes the Sharks Stand within public Championship and One-Day Cup admission, with allocated places for Blast and certain other matches. Read your ticket’s seating category.

Sussex stand and access information · Official ground map

Neighbouring seating

Compare Spen Cama Pavilion and South Stand. Temporary Cromwell Road/east-side seats vary by event. For the Sharks Stand at Hove, the north-end Family Area needs an under-18 in the group; moderate alcohol is allowed in seats, not on the walkway. It is not alcohol-free.

Stand positions follow Sussex’s ground map and north-up satellite imagery. Temporary seats on the northern and eastern boundary face afternoon sunshine.Spen CamaPavilionSouth StandCromwell Roadtemporary seatingEast-sideseating(temporary)Cow CornerhospitalityNSharks StandCromwell RoadEndSea End

● Afternoon sun

A general guide for a sunny summer day; front rows catch more sun.

The Eaton Road entrance to the County Ground, Hove, showing the South Stand building and floodlights in September 2018

County Ground entrance, September 2018

Photo: Hassocks5489, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Food, drink and toilets

Sixes at Sussex is behind this side of the ground, with its own bar, food and interactive-cricket arrangements. Check the actual match guide for concessions operating behind the stand, rather than relying on an older outlet list. Toilets are shown beside Sharks on Sussex’s ground information. Ask a steward for the closest suitable facility and the route back to your block.

Outside alcohol is prohibited at Blast, One-Day Cup and internationals. Check Hove’s packing rules for containers. Return between overs.

Who it suits

Sharks suits visitors who want public county seating with an angled view and fans who enjoy a lively Blast evening. Practical tip: compare the central covered rows with the open outer blocks before booking seats for your group.

Tickets

Buying a public seat

Use Sussex’s official ticket account and choose the actual fixture. Check whether the day is general admission or allocated seating, then select Sharks deliberately for Blast. Individual 2027 stand tariffs and any restricted-view discounts are TBC. The club’s county guide explains public and Pavilion categories; an ordinary Sharks ticket does not include the members’ Pavilion.

Hospitality nearby

Cow Corner and the executive hospitality areas sit beyond the southern/eastern side. Boundary Package and Sharks Supper use the Dean Wilson hospitality area and its outside deck, with catering specified in the named booking.

Official Sussex tickets · 2027 membership · Ground regulations · Official hospitality packages

Prices depend on the seat category shown when you book. Read the rain guide alongside the conditions for your own ticket. Last checked: October 2026.

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