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I am not sure exactly how it happened, but at some point over the last 5 years I’ve become borderline obsessed with cricket.
It snuck up on me gradually, and now I fear I am a lost cause forever. The extraordinary voice of Henry Blofeld and the hypnotic joy/despair of Test Match Special was my gateway. It has since become an increasingly expensive habit though, courtesy of Sky subscriptions and match tickets, so anything free and cricket-related grabs my attention.
Imagine my delight therefore, to see the following in a recent email from American Express:
“One of the most famous sporting grounds in the world, Lord’s Cricket Ground is renowned as the ‘Home of Cricket’ as well as the home of Middlesex Cricket. For cricket and sports’ fans alike, we’re delighted to invite you to a unique evening at the legendary venue. As well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the Pavilion walking through the Long Room, Dressing Rooms and Committee Room, you will hear first-hand stories from England and Middlesex cricketers Mike Gatting and Angus Fraser. The evening will end with a drinks’ reception and canapés in the Museum — the home of the Ashes Urn.
With so many of cricket’s iconic moments having taken place at Lord’s, including England’s World Cup Final win, captained by Middlesex’s Eoin Morgan, this is a unique opportunity to soak up the heritage and history of the game and a rare chance to go behind the ‘boundary’ of being a spectator.”
The offer is open to all Platinum cardholders (plus 1 guest) and all you need to do to register your interest is call the Platinum Concierge team on 0800 917 8054.
Obviously places are limited, but what is interesting is that they are not allocated on a first come first served basis. Instead, everyone is placed on a waitlist, with successful applicants due to be drawn from the waitlist next Thursday (21st Nov).
Note that if you are selected but are unable to attend, there is a £75 fee if you cancel less than 7 days before the event takes place.
Bottom line
A free evening behind the scenes at Lords sounds like my perfect Monday night – fingers crossed I might see some of you there!
Definitely worth a punt. I called the Concierge team for hospitality in the Amex lounge at the Brighton v Leicester game next Saturday and was unsuccessful as they didn’t get in touch (I believe the consideration is that if you hear nothing, then you haven’t been drawn from the waitlist. However they did call today to offer me two tickets as they had some cancellations, so at least you know they will follow-up in such circumstances. Unfortunately, we’ve made other plans, so can’t go, but some other lucky cardholder will!
Ah – shame you can’t make the Brighton game, but really good to know they actively follow up if people cancel.
Was this advertised by email to you like the Leicester game in 2017? Or was it purely speculative?