Lincolnshire Cricket builds for the future as the Barracks County Ground officially opens
Lincolnshire Cricket marked a major milestone last week with the formal opening of the newly renamed Barracks County Ground, formerly the Sobraon Barracks Cricket Field.
The event took place against the backdrop of a Lincolnshire County Girls U14 and U15 training session, as local partners, stakeholders and dignitaries gathered to hear about the organisation’s long-term ambitions.
Now under the management of Lincolnshire Cricket, the Barracks County Ground becomes the dedicated home venue for all Women’s and Girls’ County representative cricket.
After lying unused for the past three summers, the ground’s future had been uncertain.
Once regularly used by South Cliffe St Andrews Cricket Club and later the University of Lincoln, the site had fallen into disrepair and required significant investment to restore the square and outfield to a competitive standard.
That investment arrived through Sport England’s Grass Pitch Improvement Fund, alongside a newly secured 25-year lease agreed with the City of Lincoln Council.
With both elements in place, Lincolnshire Cricket began the extensive work needed to revive this historic venue in the heart of Lincoln’s Ermine area.
Renovation began in November 2025, and cricket will now return throughout the summer of 2026, providing a high-quality facility for the next generation of players across the county.
The county’s performance pathway is already in full swing.
The Lincolnshire Women’s team have begun their season, though early fixtures have brought defeats to Northumberland and Cricket East.
Head coach Martyn Hill will be looking for improvements as the campaign gathers momentum in the coming weeks.
For the Men’s First XI, the NCCA Trophy campaign begins this weekend with an away trip to Bedfordshire on Sunday, followed by the first home fixture of the season at Bracebridge Heath CC on Bank Holiday Monday.
Head coach Eddie Burke and new captain Nick Keast will be hoping this early double-header sets the tone for a successful 2026 season.
Play at Bracebridge Heath on Monday, 4th May against Northumberland begins at 11am. Entry is free and all are welcome.