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Quite simply, the perfect venue

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Our Story

A Venue Like No Other

A stunning and unique venue, outstanding facilities, ample parking and easily accessible by road, rail and on foot.

What more could you possibly need?

The Cooper Associates County Ground has it all!

It's not just about the cricket!

There’s more to the Cooper Associates County Ground than just cricket!

Located in the heart of the South West, we are the premier meeting, conference and events venue in the region, and we are THE perfect venue for your event.

The Cooper Associates County Ground has a wide variety of rooms and facilities.

Large or small, formal or relaxed, we will work with you from day one to ensure that we provide you with everything you need to stage the perfect tailor-made event.

You are at the heart of everything that we do

Somerset County Cricket Club are committed to providing our visitors and guests with a safe, secure, and welcoming environment.

Outstanding Catering

We are committed to providing the optimum catering experience at every event.

We work hand in hand with our Official Hospitality and Catering Partner, BaxterStorey, to bring an outstanding hospitality and catering provision for anyone who visits the venue.

BaxterStorey are committed to excellence and to using fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal produce to guarantee that they are delivering the best possible service and value.

With Michelin Star award winning chef, Josh Eggleton as part of the BaxterStorey family, excellence is guaranteed.

Our Story

1875

Founded

Somerset County Cricket Club is formed on August 18th, 1875, following a match at Sidmouth between the Gentlemen of Somerset and the Gentlemen of Devon

1881

The County Ground is constructed

The venue is originally built as part of a sport centre by Taunton Athletic Society

1882

An international first

Somerset County Cricket Club plays its first fixture at the venue in August and later that month Australia become the first international team to play cricket at the County Ground.

1896

Taunton becomes home

10 years after taking out the lease on the venue, Somerset CCC purchases the freehold for a reported £2000

1939

War stops play!

During the Second World War, the venue was made available to the military and was used by local soldiers and firefighters.

1961

Greyhound racing?

Believe it or not, until the 1970s the venue used to host greyhound racing as well as cricket. The track was constructed around the perimeter of the field and the first meeting was held in 1961.

1979

The Glory Years

A star-studded Somerset team wins five major trophies during the period referred to by Members and supporters as "The Glory Years."

1983

The World Cup comes to town

The eyes of the world are on the venue as England defeat Sri Lanka in a vital World Cup match.

1997

Here come the girls!

The venue stages its first women's international fixture when England take on South Africa

1999

Eyes of the world on Taunton

The World Cup returns to Taunton as the venue hosts two fixtures. Zimbabwe beat Kenya whilst India break all records for the highest score in tournament history as they overcome Sri Lanka.

2009

Home of Women's Cricket

The venue becomes the Official Home of the England Women's team. This coincides with Somerset CCC hosting all 12 group matches in the Women's World T20 Cup.

2010

Further redevelopment

The new look Colin Atkinson Pavilion, which houses the Long Room and County Room is officially opened.

2013

County Ground goes online

The first venue-specific website is launched.

2015

New facility opened

The £3.8 million Somerset Pavilion (now The Marcus Trescothick Pavilion), which includes: The 1875 Club, Thatchers Terrace and Stragglers Coffee House is opened.

2017

England come to town

England take on South Africa in the venue's maiden International T20 fixture. It's estimated that the game boosted the local economy by £1 million.

2017

Women's World Cup

The venue plays host to seven fixtures in the ICC Women's World Cup, a tournament that England go on to win.

2019

Let there be light!

In January 2019, the skyline of Taunton changed for ever when state of the art LED floodlights are installed at the venue.

2019

A world-wide festival of sport

The venue once again is the focus of a world-wide audience as Somerset hosts three World Cup matches.
1875 1881 1882 1896 1939 1961 1979 1983 1997 1999 2009 2010 2013 2015 2017 2017 2019 2019

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Why the Cooper Associates County Ground?

Outstanding facilities, ample parking and easily accessible by road, rail and on foot; The Cooper Associates County Ground has it all!

Bespoke Service 

Our experienced and friendly staff will work with you every step of the way to ensure your event is perfect. From planning through to the successful delivery of the event, our team will tailor everything to meet your vision.

Exceptional Catering

We are committed to providing the optimum catering experience at every event. We work hand in hand with our Catering Partner, BaxterStorey, to bring outstanding hospitality and catering.

Competitive Pricing

Our facilities offer you genuine value for money and can be tailored to suit any budget.

Transport Links

We are just seven minutes from junction 25 of the M5 by road and less than a one mile walk from Taunton Railway Station.

Parking

On-site parking is available and can be incorporated into your conference or event booking.

Accessibility

The Cooper Associates County Ground is fully accessible. We offer lifts to additional floors in all buildings.

Wi-Fi

Our award-winning, secure and robust Wi-Fi is free and available across the whole venue.

Local Hotels

The Cooper Associates Ground is well-serviced by an array hotels and guest houses offering flexible accommodation for you, your delegates or guests.