Allen Stand at Lord’s: choosing a Test seat

Choosing an Allen view for a Test

Allen occupies the stretch between the Pavilion and Tavern. From that corner, the line of the pitch runs away towards the Nursery End at an angle. It is a rewarding perspective to compare if you like watching a bowler approach while still seeing a spread of fielders across the square.

Because Allen is being rebuilt, base your choice on the new seat details for the Test. Look towards both wickets and across the far boundary in the viewer. Check the rail in front of the seat as carefully as the central sightline, particularly when choosing the first row of a tier.

Planning for each session

Allen’s position catches morning sun. Have sunscreen and a hat ready for the opening session, especially in any open seating. The redevelopment changes the roof and row arrangement, so ask MCC to confirm cover for the place being offered. Exact covered rows in the completed layout are still to be confirmed.

On a sunny summer afternoon, covered positions on this side of the ground offer shade. That makes a roofed Allen seat worth considering for someone who finds the later sessions in full sun tiring. When arranging the booking, describe the need for shade as well as the need for overhead shelter.

Allen’s redevelopment changes the roof and row arrangement. For the evening session, keep a layer available for sitting in shade and treat an open seat as exposed. MCC’s final seat description is the useful reference when choosing shelter in the new layout.

A seat beside the Pavilion

Allen is part of the Members’ Friends’ Enclosures. For a guest, the first conversation is with an eligible MCC member about admission for the chosen Test day. Establish the permitted seating area, then decide where your party would like to sit within those arrangements.

This is a particularly appealing corner for spectators who want the Pavilion close to their view. Allow a little time before play to take in the setting from your seating area. During the Test, the angled perspective lets you follow both the bowler’s approach and the field developing around a batter.

Sources: [3]

The new stand and its facilities

MCC expects Allen’s full completion in winter 2026/27, ready for the Ashes. The design includes eight wheelchair-accessible seats, 28 seats for ambulant disabled spectators, two lifts and two staircases. Confirm the operational seating route with MCC before arranging an accessible position.

The plans include pitch-facing bars on three levels, a café and washrooms on each level. Check which facilities your ticket permits you to use, and arrange any meal booking separately. For a visitor needing a short step-free route, ask about the distance between the offered seat, lift and suitable toilet.

Allen stands by the Grace Gate and Pavilion. Your match ticket gives the entrance to use; follow that instruction for arrival. MCC recommends Warwick Avenue or Edgware Road for this part of Lord’s. Tell the access team about any assistance needed on the approach when discussing the seating.

Sources: [6] · [5]

Arranging a 2027 Allen visit

Allen is part of the Members’ Friends’ Enclosures. Ask the member organising your visit for the permitted level and whether the place is reserved before making travel commitments. Discuss cover in the redeveloped stand at the same time as the price shown for that Test day.

Compare nearby stands

Tavern Stand · Warner Stand (across the Pavilion)

Staying for the Test?

Sources

1. MCC seating and ticket FAQs — checked 2026-10-09
2. MCC accessibility — checked 2026-10-09
3. MCC membership and guest admission — checked 2026-10-09
4. MCC dress regulations — checked 2026-10-09
5. MCC travel directions — checked 2026-10-09
6. MCC Allen redevelopment programme — checked 2026-10-09