Hampshire Cricket's £8m Rose Bowl centrepiece, the Main Oval Pavilion, has finally been completed and will be fully ready for Hampshire's opening County Championship fixture against Leicestershire on April 24.

County chief executive Graham Walker and project director Geoff Cox stood proud as they unveiled the impressive structure with two main bar areas on the two working floors.

Walker praised the efforts of Cox and his team and commented, "Hampshire Cricket is a journey. For a club with a troubled history, we now have a great sense of optimism.

"This is not just for Hampshire Cricket but also for the community. We have spent over £20million so far on this wonderful ground and that shows the drive and determination we have to succeed."

The main pavilion bar on the ground floor and linked to the currently operational Atrium Bar will cater for 180 people for functions and will be the main members bar on match days.

Adjoining this area are function rooms and toilets, while rooms for development cricket and Director of Cricket Tim Tremlett were also created.

`The Long Room' on the first floor, which will be predominantly used by members of the Executive Club, has a bar and extensive facilities and will house Hampshire Cricket memorabilia shortly, including for the first time, local cricket trophies from the Southern Premier and Hampshire Leagues.

And the players have not been left short in the new facilities either. The healthily sized dressing rooms will be completed with lockers, benches and relaxation area along with blinds to hide their modesty.

But the showpiece has to be the large Jacuzzis, thought to be the first of their kind in England and only the third changing rooms in the world to have them. The players, who had a say in the design of their areas, were said to be delighted. They are in both rooms at either end of the first floor.

Jimmy Cook, Hampshire's coach has not missed out either and will have all the hi-tech equipment in his room next to the Hampshire dressing room. Plasma screens, televisions, video equipment, sound systems and much more is earmarked to be installed by April 24.

"It is very exciting," continued Walker. "This has been a great achievement by Geoff and his team. I certainly did not expect to be where we are when I sent Geoff a birthday card on November 26, the day they started the work, with the line in it – it is not often you get to spend £2m for your birthday!"

350 chairs and 70 tables were being delivered and the first function at the ground will be the Lady Mayoress of Eastleigh's Primrose Ball on April 19 – a trial run for the season ahead.

© Hampshire Cricket