DURHAM are hoping for a record crowd for a county match at Chester-le-Street when they christen their floodlights in tonight's NatWest T20 Blast tie against Yorkshire, which starts at 7pm.

The record attendance of 8,514 witnessed the unveiling of Riverside's new name, the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground, on June 4, 2010, when Lancashire were the visitors.

Only 2,940 turned up for the opening match against Northants this year and Durham's marketing team will hope to triple that with lots of sideshows in place when the gates open at 3.30.

Fans, who are encouraged to wear something red, have been invited to take part in a pre-match game of Bubble Football, and there will be a funfair, local musicians, goodie bags from the mascot, Chester the Lion, and a chance to meet the players in a signing session after the game.

Tickets cost £20 on the gate, or £15 (£5 for U16s) if booked in advance either online or by ringing 0844 499 4466.

There were 113 letters of objection to the six 55-metre floodlights, but Durham's chief executive, David Harker, said: “The boost to the local economy will be significant. As many as 17,500 extra people per season could visit the stadium. It was a necessary investment which will be a huge benefit to the club and to local businesses.”

Durham's crowd for the visit of Yorkshire last season was easily their best, attracting 6,746 compared with the average of around 3,500.

They witnessed the ground's first T20 century, scored off 57 balls by Jonny Bairstow, with his second 50 coming off 18. He hit six sixes and Yorkshire won by 49 runs.

The 2013 match attracted 7,157 to witness Phil Mustard contribute what remains Durham's highest individual score of 91 to a total of 215 for six, which they have bettered once.