Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie Stand at Utilita Bowl: choosing a Test seat

The opposite side of the square

The Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie Stand faces across the playing area towards the Shane Warne side. From this southeastern position, the Pavilion and Hilton ends sit to either side of the action. The view works well for following the batter’s trigger movement, the bounce of a short delivery and the decision to come forward or stay back.

Choose the block by its relationship to the pitch. A position square of the wicket is the strongest version of that side-on view; seats nearer the curved ends introduce a more diagonal angle. Looking at the strip on the official seat map makes that distinction clearer than choosing by the stand name alone.

For friends watching consecutive days, this is a useful partner to an end-on Pavilion or Hilton booking. One day shows the ball’s line along the pitch; another shows the batter’s movement across it. A switch to the Shane Warne side instead keeps the square view while reversing the background.

Sources: [1] · [2]

Later light towards the eastern seats

The seats face broadly northwest. During the morning session, the eastern sun starts behind this side of the bowl. As the afternoon develops, light moves around the southern side; after tea, western sunlight can reach towards the spectators’ faces and across their view of the pitch.

The stand includes a roofed section, but the amount of cover depends on where you sit. An exposed lower seat still needs protection through a July afternoon. Ask for the row’s relationship to the roof if shelter is a deciding factor, and keep sunglasses accessible for the later session.

The Shane Warne side reverses this broad pattern, receiving more light towards its face earlier in the day. For a visitor particularly bothered by low sunshine, that difference is a useful part of the comparison alongside the view and the steps to the row.

Sources: [2] · [3]

A side-on day for a family group

This side gives a family a clear way to follow the batter running between the two ends. Choose adjacent seats before worrying about being at the exact middle of the stand: explaining a field change is easier when a child can look in the same direction from beside you.

The building contains hospitality spaces as well as ordinary seating, including the Hampshire Suite and Shaun Udal Lounge. Those rooms follow their own admission arrangements. Ashes family and alcohol-free block allocations are TBC, so make that requirement part of the booking rather than relying on a block used for a different competition.

Sources: [1] · [4]

Eastern facilities and accessible routes

The club’s hospitality guidance directs Hampshire Suite, Udal Lounge and CIM box guests through the East Gate. General spectators should use the entrance shown on their own ticket. Locate the stand building on arrival so that you can distinguish the route into a hospitality room from the steps to your seat.

Accessible toilets are at both ends of the stand. AccessAble also records a Changing Places facility behind it, reached on a level route and operated with a RADAR key. Its sensory room is on level two with a lift on the accessible route. Arrange use of those facilities with the club if they are essential to your Ashes visit.

The hotel end of the Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie Stand has a water fountain. The East Berm supplies further food and drink choices on major matchdays, while a contemplation room sits beneath the stand. For someone who needs an interval away from the seating, these are useful places to locate before the opening over.

Sources: [4] · [3] · [5] · [6] · [7]

Comparing the stand’s Ashes options

England and Australia meet here on 21–25 July 2027.Use the official ticket service to compare the exact block, row and price, with particular attention to how far the seat sits beneath the roof.

The ground guide carries the sales timetable. If you need accessible viewing or a companion seat, describe the route and personal-care facilities you require when contacting the ticket office. Keeping those needs attached to the seat enquiry helps you choose a workable position on the eastern side.

Sources: [8] · [9] · [3]

Compare nearby stands

East Berm · Rod Bransgrove Pavilion / Roof Terrace

Staying for the Test?

Sources

1. Utilita Bowl: international seating plan — checked 2026-10-09
2. OpenStreetMap: Utilita Bowl orientation — checked 2026-10-09
3. Utilita Bowl: accessibility — checked 2026-10-09
4. Utilita Bowl: hospitality visitor guide — checked 2026-10-09
5. AccessAble: getting in and getting around — checked 2026-10-09
6. Utilita Bowl: visitor guide — checked 2026-10-09
7. Utilita Bowl: food and drink guide — checked 2026-10-09
8. ECB: 2027 international schedule — checked 2026-10-09
9. Utilita Bowl: 2027 Ashes ticket information — checked 2026-10-09