Howzat! Cricket fans can play Xbox during T20 matches at Surrey

Cricket fans will be able to play the latest videogames at Surrey’s home matches after Xbox was announced as the sponsor of the Kia Oval’s Family Zone.

Surrey Country Cricket Club (CCC) will make consoles available to visitors at its recreation and dining area during the Vitality Blast T20 competition.

Fans can play games such as Forza Horizon 4 via Xbox Game Pass for Console, which includes more than 100 titles.

Richard Thompson, Chairman of Surrey CCC, said: “London is the world’s biggest sporting city and T20 cricket has been its fastest growing success in recent years. Attracting one of the world’s biggest brands to sponsor the Family Zone at the Kia Oval is yet another sign of the phenomenal interest T20 cricket is generating.

“Over the past four years we have welcomed more than 500,000 fans to T20 matches, and the Family Zone has allowed thousands of children to be introduced to cricket in a safe environment with fun games, visits from players and the chance to be inspired by our great game.

“Partnering with Xbox will help us bring the Family Zone to the next level as we look to continue the runaway success of T20 cricket.”

Designed for families, the Kia Oval Family Zone offers a panoramic view of the field from seats on the second-floor balcony of the OCS Stand, directly behind the bowler’s arm. It was previously sold to hospitality buyers but was relaunched as the Family Zone in 2017 after Surrey CCC received feedback from fans.

The area also features food and drink options, a special branch of the club shop and an exclusive bar for parents. Games, cricket coaching, competitions, giveaways and player autograph signings all take place in the England Suite of the OCS Stand.

The Family Zone is already sold out for Surrey’s first game of the T20 season – a London derby with Middlesex on July 23.