Chesterfield delighted to be staging battle of the cricket champions
It is unusual for a ground to be used as a home venue by two different county clubs
Chesterfield's Queen's Park will open a new chapter in its rich cricketing history next week.
Nottinghamshire are using the picturesque venue as a home ground for the first time when they take on Northamptonshire in the Metro Bank one-day Cup on Friday (August 7).
Derbyshire have been playing matches in the Park since 1898 and the annual Festival of Cricket has become one of the highlights of the summer.
But it is unusual for a ground to be used as a home venue by two different county clubs.
The opportunity has arisen because Trent Rockets play matches in The Hundred during the school holidays at Trent Bridge, Nottinghamshire's usual home venue.
Securing the fixture is a significant achievement for the Chesterfield Club and a vote of confidence in the ground, its facilities and the organisational skills of the Club and their army of matchday volunteers.
Club chairman Nigel Mallender said: "We're thrilled to be welcoming Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire to Queen's Park. It's a really exciting occasion for the Club, Queen's Park and the town as a whole.
"Three years ago we were proud to play the leading role in bringing The Blaze, Nottinghamshire's women's team, to Queen's Park. "When Nottinghamshire were looking for an additional outground for their men's team, we were keen to bring more elite cricket to Chesterfield so it felt like a natural fit.
"We're incredibly proud of our relationship with Derbyshire County Cricket Club and delighted that, working alongside Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire, the future of the Chesterfield Festival has been secured.
"At the same time we've seen a real appetite for more high-profile cricket at Queen’s Park so hosting a fixture of this calibre is fantastic news and complements the outstanding cricket already played here each summer."
He added: "Some people may be surprised to see Nottinghamshire playing a home game in Chesterfield but it's not a completely new thing for counties to stage matches outside their traditional borders.
"Derbyshire have done it in the past and, with the Nottinghamshire border only a few miles away - coupled with excellent transport links and our proven track record of hosting first-class cricket - Queen's Park is a natural choice.
"This is also a real boost for Chesterfield. We hope to welcome supporters from both clubs, along with local cricket fans, giving more people the chance to experience our beautiful ground while supporting local businesses."
Mallender said that for cricket to continue thriving at Queen’s Park it was vital that the Chesterfield Club remained strong all year round. He added: "The Festival is a wonderful showcase but it's important to recognise the role Chesterfield CC plays throughout the year in supporting cricket in Queen's Park.
"Hosting fixtures like this strengthens the Club and reinforces Queen’s Park’s reputation as one of the country’s leading outgrounds .
"To welcome Nottinghamshire, the reigning County Champions, alongside Northamptonshire, this season's Vitality Blast winners, makes this an even more special occasion.
"We'd encourage everyone, whatever their allegiance, to come along to Queen’s Park on Friday, August 7. It promises to be a fantastic day."
The game starts at 11am and is 50 overs a side. Ticker details are available at www.trentbridge.co.uk. Tickets will also be available on the gate.