1. Getting to The City Ground

By Car

• Address: The City Ground, Trentside North, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 5FJ.

• Parking:

  • On-Site Parking: The City Ground offers limited parking, and it’s primarily reserved for staff and VIPs on matchdays.

  • Nearby Parking: There are several car parks and street parking available nearby:

    • Trent Bridge Car Park: Just a short walk from the stadium and one of the closest car parks.

    • Meadow Lane Car Park: Located a little further away, this car park provides another good option for fans.

    • Street Parking: Be mindful of matchday restrictions and ensure you're parked legally to avoid fines.

By Train

• Nottingham Railway Station:

  • Distance: The station is about a 25-minute walk from The City Ground, though you can also take a bus or tram.

  • Trains to Nottingham: Nottingham is well-connected by train from major cities, including London, Birmingham, and Leicester. Direct services run regularly from London St Pancras to Nottingham, with journey times around 1 hour 40 minutes.

  • Tram to The City Ground: The Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram system has stops close to the stadium. The nearest tram stop to the City Ground is Meadow Lane, which is a 10-minute walk from the stadium.

By Bus

• Bus Routes: Nottingham has a strong bus network that serves the area around the stadium:

  • Nottingham City Centre to The City Ground: Several routes run from the city centre to the stadium, including Trent Bridge, Meadows, and Radcliffe Road stops.

  • Trent Bridge Bus Stop: Located near the ground, this stop is particularly convenient for fans traveling from various parts of Nottingham.

By Bike

• Cycling: Nottingham has many cycle lanes, and The City Ground is accessible by bike. There are bike racks near the stadium for fans who cycle to the match. You can also use the city’s bike hire system to rent a bike if you’re coming from the city centre.

 

2. Where to Stay

If you’re staying overnight in Nottingham, there are various options for all budgets.

• Budget-Friendly:

  • Travelodge Nottingham Central: Located in the city centre, just a short distance from The City Ground, offering affordable rooms.

  • Ibis Nottingham Centre: A modern budget hotel located near the city centre, ideal for fans attending matches.

• Mid-Range:

  • Mercure Nottingham City Centre: A well-located, mid-range hotel in the heart of Nottingham, offering comfort and convenience for fans.

  • Park Plaza Nottingham: A stylish and comfortable hotel just a short distance from the city centre and within easy reach of the stadium.

• Luxury:

  • Crowne Plaza Nottingham: A luxurious hotel located near the city centre, offering high-end amenities and beautiful views of the nearby canal.

  • Hart's Hotel: A boutique hotel located a little further out but offering top-quality service and a peaceful stay in the heart of Nottingham.

 

3. Matchday Tips

Gates Open:

• The gates at The City Ground typically open 1.5 to 2 hours before the scheduled kick-off time. This allows fans plenty of time to get settled, grab food, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Ticket Collection:

• Pre-purchased Tickets: You can either print at home or collect your tickets from the stadium on matchday. If you're collecting in person, make sure to bring ID and your booking confirmation.

Fan Zones:

• The City Ground doesn’t have a dedicated fan zone, but there are plenty of local pubs and meeting spots where fans gather before matches:

  • The Trent Navigation Inn: A popular pub located near the stadium with a great atmosphere for pre-match drinks.

  • The Meadow Co-op: Another fan favourite, located a short distance from the ground.

  • The Riverbank Bar & Kitchen: Situated near the river, it offers a great place to enjoy a meal or a drink before heading to the match.

Merchandise:

• Official Club Shop: The Nottingham Forest FC official club shop is located inside The City Ground, where you can buy a range of merchandise, including jerseys, scarves, and hats.

Food and Drink:

• Inside the Stadium: The City Ground offers a wide variety of food and drink options for fans:

  • Pies, Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Fish and Chips are available at the food stalls.

  • Vegetarian and Vegan options are also available, with a selection of plant-based food.

  • Soft Drinks and Alcoholic Beverages are sold throughout the stadium.

• Pre-Match Dining: For fans who want to eat before the match:

  • The Trent Navigation Inn: A great spot for food and drinks before heading to the game.

  • The Riverbank Bar & Kitchen: Located on the riverside, offering a relaxing spot for pre-match dining.

 

4. Exploring Nottingham

If you have some time before or after the match, Nottingham has plenty of things to see and do.

Nottingham Castle:

• Distance: 25-minute walk from The City Ground.

• What to Do: A historic castle offering amazing views of the city and informative exhibits about the area’s history, including Robin Hood legends.

Old Market Square:

• Distance: 20-minute walk.

• What to Do: The heart of Nottingham’s city centre, featuring shops, cafes, and entertainment. The Nottingham Council House in the square is a stunning building worth checking out.

The Lace Market:

• Distance: 15-minute walk.

• What to Do: A historic district, famous for its textile history, featuring independent shops, restaurants, and bars.

The Arboretum:

• Distance: 25-minute walk.

• What to Do: A beautiful and relaxing park, ideal for a stroll before or after the match, with gardens, walking paths, and a pond.

 

5. Post-Match Tips

• Getting Back to the Train Station: The Nottingham Railway Station is a 25-minute walk from the stadium, or you can take a tram or bus. Trams stop at Meadow Lane and Nottingham Station stops.

• Post-Match Drinks: Many fans head to local pubs like The Trent Navigation Inn or The Riverbank Bar & Kitchen after the match to discuss the game and enjoy a drink with fellow supporters.

 

6. Additional Useful Information

• Weather: Nottingham’s weather can be unpredictable, especially during the winter months. Be sure to bring layers and an umbrella in case of rain.

• Safety: Nottingham is a generally safe city, but always stay aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking back to your accommodation after dark.

• Emergency Contacts:

  • Nottingham Forest FC Ticket Office: If you have any issues on matchday, you can contact the ticket office at 0115 982 4388.

  • Emergency Services: Dial 999 for emergencies in the UK.

 

Conclusion

A trip to The City Ground is a fantastic way to experience the rich history and atmosphere of Nottingham Forest FC. Whether you're a local or a visiting supporter, the stadium offers an unforgettable matchday experience. We hope this guide helps make your visit to The City Ground enjoyable and stress-free!

Enjoy your matchday, and Come on you Reds!