All four fixtures of The Hundred scheduled for Wednesday will be played under continuous floodlighting, a decision made to accommodate the partial solar eclipse expected later in the evening. The celestial event will see the Moon cover roughly ninety percent of the Sun’s disc between 6:17 p.m. and 8:06 p.m., with the maximum obscuration occurring just after 7:00 p.m.
This will be the first partial solar eclipse visible from Europe in 27 years, and in some locations across the continent the alignment of the Sun, Moon and Earth will produce a total eclipse, creating a dramatic darkening of the sky. During the eclipse the ambient light will fade noticeably, temperatures are likely to drop a few degrees, and local breezes may shift as the Sun’s heat wanes. After a brief period of darkness, the Sun will re‑emerge, restoring daylight and normal conditions.
Because the matches will be underway when the eclipse reaches its peak, the organisers have opted to keep the stadium floodlights on for the entire duration of each game, ensuring players and spectators enjoy consistent visibility regardless of the temporary dimming. The day’s schedule features two women’s fixtures and two men’s fixtures, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. In Cardiff, the Welsh Fire women will open the action at 11:30 a.m., followed by the men’s side at 3:00 p.m. Later, at Edgbaston, Birmingham Phoenix women will host MI London from 3:00 p.m., with the men’s teams meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Fans are advised to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience. Additional messaging will be sent to ticket‑holders reminding them of the eclipse and the importance of using certified solar‑eclipse glasses if they wish to view the event directly; ordinary sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection.
The eclipse will also intersect with the racing programme at Kempton Park. Unlike the twilight meeting at Ffos Las, which has been moved forward to guarantee all six races finish in daylight, Kempton’s venue is already equipped with powerful floodlights at the Sunbury circuit. The eclipse is forecast to peak between 7:02 p.m.
and 7:16 p.m., precisely when Kempton has races scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Barney Clifford, Kempton’s clerk of the course, recalled the last time a similar eclipse occurred nearly three decades ago, noting that the track then lacked floodlighting.
"We’ll have the lights on well before doors open," he said. "The exact coverage of the Sun can be unpredictable, so we’ll err on the side of safety and keep the lights on early enough for all races." Beyond the immediate logistical adjustments, the eclipse offers a unique backdrop for sport. Spectators will witness a rare astronomical phenomenon while cheering on their favourite teams, creating a memorable atmosphere that blends science and entertainment.
The temporary darkness will be punctuated by the bright glare of the floodlights, providing a striking visual contrast that broadcasters hope will enhance the viewing experience. For those following the competition, the latest men’s and women’s Hundred tables are available online, and fans can stream every match – including the semi‑finals and the grand final on Sunday, 16 August – via the NOW platform without a contract.
Sky Sports also encourages followers to join their WhatsApp channel for real‑time updates, video highlights, expert analysis and other exclusive content. In summary, the decision to keep floodlights on throughout all four Hundred matches on Wednesday is a proactive measure designed to mitigate the impact of the partial solar eclipse on play. It ensures that athletes can perform under stable lighting conditions, that fans enjoy a seamless broadcast, and that the unique celestial event adds an extra layer of excitement without compromising safety or visibility.