The Kia Oval to be renamed The Micky Stewart Oval
The Kia Oval is to become ‘The Micky Stewart Oval’ in celebration of the Surrey County Cricket Club Legend’s 90th birthday.
The South London venue will be renamed in honour of Micky Stewart OBE for the duration of the County Championship fixture between Surrey CCC and Yorkshire CCC from September 20–23.
Kia have agreed to relinquish naming rights for the period in recognition of Stewart’s incredible 75-year association with Surrey County Cricket Club.
Club members have been able to watch a day’s cricket from within the Micky Stewart Members’ Pavilion since 2017, but now all supporters will be able to enjoy a game of County Cricket under the Stewart banner.
Stewart OBE has served Surrey as a player, captain, coach, cricket manager and president. He has been a member of the club since 1947 and made his playing debut in 1954. He became a mainstay in a side that would win a record seven Championships in a row. His son, current director of cricket Alec Stewart, is a club legend in his own right.
Micky turns 90 on September 16 and, ahead of the game against Yorkshire in the renamed Micky Stewart Oval, he will also receive the Freedom of the City of London.
He has been invited to a ceremony in the City on September 19, having been nominated by Alderman Gregory Jones QC and seconded by former Lord Mayor, Alderman Sir David Wootton.
From there, Micky will then be present on the second day of the Surrey v Yorkshire game, on Wednesday September 21, where he will receive the ‘Keys to the Oval’ in a special presentation.
More details to be released to members and supporters in due course.
Micky Stewart said: “When I heard what the club had planned, I was utterly and completely overcome and found it difficult to believe.
“I first saw inside The Oval during the Second World War. I have been a member since 1947 and it has been a privilege to have served the club as player, captain, coach, Cricket Manager and President.
“I myself and my family will feel exceptionally proud during the final match of the season particularly as it is against Yorkshire.”
Martin Eadon, interim chair of Surrey County Cricket Club, said: “This is a unique moment in the history of Surrey County Cricket Club.
“Micky has been closely involved at Surrey for 75 years and has made an extraordinary contribution to the club. It is only right that we find a fitting way to celebrate a milestone as special as his 90th birthday.
“I’m delighted that our partners at Kia have offered to help us mark this occasion, and we very much value their continuing support.
“This is a great way for Kia, our 17,000 members and everyone involved at Surrey to join together and celebrate a legend of cricket and our club.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
