2013 Oval Ashes Test Becomes First to be Sold Out Before Christmas

Next summer’s Investec Ashes Test at the Kia Oval has sold out, making it the first Test in England to sell out before the previous Christmas.

The final game of five, which begins on Wednesday 21 August, has seen the 23,500 capacity reached for all five days.

Surrey members were first to have access to tickets, with a priority window from November 10 to December 9. Next were those chosen among 45,000 ballot entrants before those that had missed out in the ballot got their turn on Wednesday. Day five tickets were subsequently put on general release.

The only available tickets for the match are now through Kia Oval debentures, a range of hospitality packages or the ground’s Kennington Club. 

Tickets are still available for next year’s other internationals at the ground via kiaoval.com. They are two NatWest International T20s between England and New Zealand on June 25 and 27 plus five Champions Trophy games, including England versus Sri Lanka on June 13 and the first semi-final on June 19.

Surrey chief executive Richard Gould said: “Selling out these games so quickly really underlines the historic place the Kia Oval holds in the minds of cricket fans across the country.

“After seeing the Ashes created here in 1882 and staging memorable victories in 2005 and 2009, we are really looking forward to next year’s game and hopefully helping England celebrate a third consecutive win over Australia on home soil.

“As well as our Investec Ashes Test match, the ground is also staging seven other exciting international games next year – with U16 tickets for our two NatWest T20 internationals available for just £1 – so there should be plenty of opportunity for everyone wanting to experience the atmosphere of a big match at the Kia Oval to come down at some stage throughout the year.

“With so much international cricket and the unveiling of the magnificent new frontage to our historic members’ pavilion – creating a ‘front door’ for the ground that will be one of the finest in world cricket – 2013 will be a hugely exciting year for everyone connected with both Surrey County Cricket Club and the Kia Oval.”