Staffordshire will play a first-team match in the County Town for the first time in almost 70 years next summer.
Venues have been confirmed for Staffs’ National Counties Cricket Association schedule for 2024 – and that includes a return to playing at Stafford.
The county last played at Stafford in 1955 – at the club’s old ground, The Hough, and will step out at the new Riverway venue next season.
Staffs first played in the County Town in 1932 against Cambridgeshire, while the last of their nine visits was against Durham.
North Staffs and South Cheshire League side Stafford, who have worked tirelessly to provide top-class facilities at their ground, have been handed the three-day Championship Division One East game against Suffolk between August 11 and 13.
They have previously impressed in staging county development matches.
Staffordshire kick-off their season with the Twenty20 format – looking to defend the title they won at Tring Park in 2023.
The opening clash sees neighbours Cheshire visit Knypersley, before Staffordshire face a Bank Holiday double header.
‘Burslem on the fixture list’
Staffordshire entertain Northumberland at Burslem – another new first-team venue – on Sunday, May 5. The following day they head up the M6 to play Cumbria at Carlisle.
Staffordshire’s 50-over Knockout Trophy commitments start with a long trip to Mildenhall to face Suffolk.
Their first home encounter is at Smethwick, where Norfolk are the opposition, followed by a journey to play Herefordshire at Eastnor.
The Group Two matches are wrapped up in June with a home clash against Shropshire at Moddershall & Oulton.
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Staffordshire play their four Championship games in July and August.
Match one sees them host Bedfordshire at Checkley and they then visit Cleethorpes to play Lincolnshire.
Stafford then enjoy their three days in the spotlight, prior to the final fixture against reigning champions Buckinghamshire at High Wycombe.
The venues for the three finals have also been confirmed.
Tring Park will host the T20 Cup showpiece, while Wormsley stages the 50-over final. West Bromwich Dartmouth is the venue for the four-day Championship final.
‘First-class challenge’
Meanwhile, Staffordshire have new opposition for next summer’s Showcase Game – the match which pairs NCCA sides with first-class counties in 50-over per side contests.
Staffs have played Leicestershire since the game was implemented back in 2020, but in 2024 they will face Warwickshire.
The match will be played on Sunday, July 21 at Knypersley.
STAFFORDSHIRE 2024 FIXTURES
NCCA TWENTY20 CUP GROUP ONE
Sunday, April 28: Staffordshire v Cheshire (Knypersley).
Sunday, May 5: Staffordshire v Northumberland (Burslem).
Monday, May 6: Cumbria v Staffordshire (Carlisle).
Sunday, May 19: Super 12s.
Sunday, May 26: T20 finals day (Tring Park).
Monday, May 27: Reserve day.
NCCA KNOCKOUT TROPHY GROUP TWO
Sunday, May 12: Suffolk v Staffordshire (Mildenhall).
Sunday, June 2: Staffordshire v Norfolk (Smethwick).
Sun, June 9: Herefordshire v Staffordshire (Eastnor).
Sun, June 23: Staffordshire v Shropshire (Moddershall & Oulton).
Sunday, June 30: Quarter-finals.
Sunday, August 4: Semi-finals.
Monday, August 5: Semi-final reserve day.
Sunday, August 25: Final (Wormsley).
Monday, August 26: Final reserve day.
NCCA CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION ONE EAST
Sunday, July 7 to Tuesday, July 9: Staffordshire v Bedfordshire (Checkley).
Sun, July 28 to Tuesday, July 30: Lincolnshire v Staffordshire (Cleethorpes).
Sunday, August 11 to Tuesday, August 13: Staffordshire v Suffolk (Stafford).
Sun, August 18 to Tuesday, August 20: Bucks v Staffordshire (High Wycombe).
Sunday, September 1 to Wednesday, September 4: Championship final (West Bromwich Dartmouth).
SHOWCASE GAME
Sunday, July 21: Warwickshire (Knypersley).
Main image: Staffordshire County Cricket Club will play a first-team game at Stafford in the 2024 NCCA season. Picture: Alfie Shenton
