City Ground tickets

Where to Park at City Ground

Official parking at the City Ground is extremely limited and priority is given to disabled supporters, players, coaches, match officials, and club staff. Any remaining spaces are sold on a first-come, first-served basis on matchday for £10 per car. Pre-booking is not available for standard parking. The reality is that stadium parking fills quickly, typically within 60–90 minutes of gates opening.

Several approved alternative car parks operate on matchdays:

• Greenfields Community School, Orange Gardens (NG2 2JG) – matchday parking for £10, short walk across the River Trent from the stadium.
• The Nottingham Emmanuel School, Gresham Park Road (NG2 7YF) – £10, popular with away fans for easy access from the M1 and quick post-match exit.
• County Hall, Loughborough Road – approx. £5 per car.
• Meadow Lane Stadium (Notts County FC).
• Victoria Embankment car park near Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.

The school car parks must be pre-booked through BigParking or similar services. These options typically fill 60–90 minutes before kick-off for popular fixtures.

JustPark offers private driveways near the stadium, often closer than official car parks, starting from £4–£10. Book well in advance for the best locations.

Important: Do not park on residential streets around West Bridgford. Controlled parking zones and resident permit schemes are strictly enforced on matchdays, resulting in parking tickets and fines. Wardens patrol actively and tickets are often issued within minutes of kick-off.

Arriving Early: What to Do Around City Ground

Most fans arrive 60–90 minutes before kick-off to soak up the pre-match atmosphere. The area around the stadium transforms on matchdays, with street food vendors setting up along approach roads and the riverside paths filling with supporters.

The Family Red Zone, located in the Brian Clough Stand car park, opens from 12pm for 3pm kick-offs, offering:

• Face painting
• Children's games
• Live music
• Food and drink for families

The riverside setting creates a unique atmosphere on sunny matchdays. Many fans gather along Trent Bridge and the Victoria Embankment, enjoying views of the River Trent and the stadium.

The Big Shed at the Trent Navigation has become a go-to destination in recent years, featuring:

• Outdoor bars
• The biggest outdoor TV screen in the Midlands showing pre-match football
• Food and drinks

This venue sits closer to Meadow Lane but is only a 10-minute walk to the City Ground.

Photo opportunities include:

• The Brian Clough statue outside the stadium
• Views from Trent Bridge with the stadium backdrop

The City Ground Megastore on Pavilion Road opens on matchdays and offers the full range of club merchandise. Most street food vendors operate along approach roads, typically offering burgers, hot dogs, and curry for £8–£12 per meal.

Where to Buy Food & Drink Before the Match

Quick Options

• Street food vendors operate along approach roads from about 90 minutes before kick-off. Expect burgers, hot dogs, and curries around £8–£12 per meal.
• The Big Shed at Trent Navigation (5-minute walk) – outdoor bars, food, and live sports on big screens.
• Larwood & Voce at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (Fox Road, 5-minute walk) – outdoor space, multiple bars, and often DJs playing Forest-specific songs.

Traditional Pubs

• The Southbank Bar – near the stadium, popular with home supporters but gets extremely busy.
• The Boot Room Bar (open daily 12pm–10pm) – known for great atmosphere, quality beer, and food.
• The Nest at Meadow Lane (Notts County FC) – opens exclusively for away ticket holders from 10am on matchdays, typically used by away fans.

Sit-Down Restaurants

• Brewhouse and Kitchen on Trent Bridge – views of the river and stadium, British food and craft beers, just a 2-minute walk from the ground.
• Central Nottingham (15-minute walk) – extensive dining options in the Lace Market, Hockley, and Angel Row areas, all used to hosting football fans.
• Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem near Nottingham Castle – claims to be England's oldest pub and welcomes all supporters.

Timing Tips

Last orders for food at most nearby venues are 90–120 minutes before kick-off. If eating in Nottingham city centre, allow 30 minutes to walk to the stadium or 10–15 minutes if catching a bus. Most fans stop eating 60–90 minutes before kick-off to allow time for entry queues and finding seats.

Stadium Features & Weather Considerations

The City Ground has mixed roof coverage. The lower tiers of the Brian Clough Stand and most of the Peter Taylor Stand are well covered, offering good protection from rain. The Trent End provides good coverage for most seats, though rows closest to the pitch can get wet in heavy rain.

The Bridgford Stand, rebuilt in the early 1990s with an unusual dipping roof to allow natural light to nearby houses, offers partial coverage. The front rows of the Bridgford Stand (particularly the away section) are exposed to the elements.

Upper tier corner sections of the stadium are most exposed to wind and rain. The stadium's riverside location means wind can be noticeable, particularly in corner sections during autumn and winter months. Evening matches from November through March can be bitterly cold, especially in exposed sections. Layers are essential for winter evening fixtures.

For afternoon kick-offs, the sun position varies by season. In late summer and autumn, afternoon sun can affect visibility in certain sections of the Brian Clough Stand. The stadium's north-south orientation means the sun doesn't cause major problems in most sections.

What to bring: Waterproof jacket for front rows in any stand except Brian Clough Stand lower tier, warm layers for evening matches November–March, a small portable phone charger (no charging points in seating areas), and some cash for street food vendors. The stadium itself is entirely cashless.

Best Time to Enter City Ground by Seating Section

Gates typically open 90 minutes before kick-off, though this should be verified for your specific match. The majority of turnstiles close 10 minutes after kick-off, though some late turnstiles remain open until half-time for those genuinely delayed.

• Bridgford Stand (Away Section): Arrive 45–60 minutes before kick-off. Away turnstiles go through the Brian Clough Stand car park via Scarrington Road off Lady Bay Bridge. Entry can be slower due to security checks and bag searches; the concourse can feel tight with a large away following.
• Trent End: Arrive 45–60 minutes early. This is the noisiest part of the stadium and fills up quickly on big match days.
• Brian Clough Stand & Peter Taylor Stand: Arriving 30–45 minutes before kick-off is typically sufficient. For big fixtures against top clubs, 45–60 minutes is advisable.
• Accessible Seating: Arrive 60 minutes early to allow time for smooth entry through designated accessible entrances. Contact the accessibility team in advance if you need assistance.

Peak crowding at turnstiles occurs 20–30 minutes before kick-off. Arriving either 45–60 minutes early or within 10 minutes of kick-off (if you don't mind missing the start) avoids the worst queues.

Understanding City Ground's Seating Layout

The City Ground features four distinctive stands, each with its own character and atmosphere. Current capacity stands at 30,455, though ambitious expansion plans could see this reach 45,000 by 2031 and eventually 52,000. The stadium's riverside location and compact design create an intimate atmosphere where fans sit close to the pitch.

Brian Clough Stand (West Side)

The largest stand in the ground with approximately 10,355 seats across two tiers. Built in 1980 using funds from Forest's European success, it was originally called the Executive Stand before being renamed in honor of legendary manager Brian Clough.

• Long band of executive boxes between the tiers.
• Trentside Lounge viewing gallery offering premium hospitality.
• Best overall views in the stadium, especially centre blocks J, K, L, M.
• Upper tier: elevated views and good atmosphere.
• Lower tier: families and corporate guests.

Peter Taylor Stand (East Side)

Running opposite the Brian Clough Stand, this traditional structure holds approximately 5,000 seats (currently under development for expansion to 10,000–15,000). Named after Brian Clough's assistant manager in October 2015, this is the oldest stand still in use at the City Ground.

• Three tiers of seating.
• Home to the club museum and shop.
• Some restricted views due to supporting pillars – nostalgic but can be frustrating.
• Many season ticket holders, creating knowledgeable and vocal atmosphere.

Trent End (North End)

A large two-tiered stand behind the goal holding approximately 7,500 seats. Rebuilt in time for Euro 96, the Trent End is named for its proximity to the River Trent and is where Forest's most vocal supporters congregate.

• Lower tier: incredible noise and constant singing.
• Upper tier: better overall views but still great atmosphere.
• Executive boxes between the tiers.
• Corner Box project between Trent End and Brian Clough Stand adds ~500 seats in a shipping-container structure.

Bridgford Stand (South End)

Rebuilt in the 1992–93 season with approximately 5,370 seats plus 70 wheelchair spaces. Features an unusual dipped roof designed to allow natural light to reach nearby houses.

• Accommodates both home and away supporters.
• Away fans typically in lower tier blocks W, X1, X2 (around 2,000–2,500 away fans).
• For larger cup fixtures, entire lower tier may be given to away fans.
• Upper tier (Blocks U1–V2) houses vocal home support, especially Blocks Y1–Z.
• Front rows have weaker views and get wet in rain.

Best Seats for Different Viewing Experiences

Best for Overall Pitch View

The Brian Clough Stand provides the finest views in the stadium. Centre blocks (J, K, L, M) in both upper and lower tiers offer perfect sightlines to every corner of the pitch. The upper tier (rows 15–25) hits the sweet spot for tactical perspective – high enough for comprehensive views without feeling too distant.

Best for Atmosphere

The Trent End lower tier is the beating heart of the atmosphere – expect to be on your feet and singing most of the match. The Bridgford Stand upper tier (Blocks Y1–Z) also generates excellent noise, with Forest classics like Mull of Kintyre ringing out. These sections are not for those seeking a quiet afternoon.

Best for Seeing Goals Up Close

Behind-goal seats in the Trent End and Bridgford Stand put you right in line with the action. Rows 10–20 offer the best balance between proximity and viewing angle. Front rows are extremely close but can be too low for a clear overall view.

Best for Families

Seating for families is typically in designated areas of the Brian Clough Stand or quieter sections of the Peter Taylor Stand. These provide enthusiastic but family-appropriate atmosphere. The Brian Clough Stand lower tier (rows 10–20) offers good views for children without being too high.

Best for Photography

The Brian Clough Stand upper tier centre blocks provide the best vantage point for match photography with elevated angles. Corner sections of the upper tiers in the Trent End and Bridgford Stand offer interesting diagonal views. Outside the ground, Trent Bridge and riverside paths along the Victoria Embankment offer the best stadium shots. Note: professional camera equipment is prohibited inside the stadium, but phones and small cameras are permitted.

Best Seating for Kids at City Ground

Family-friendly sections are available throughout the stadium, with designated family areas in the Brian Clough Stand. Children under 14 are not permitted into the stadium unaccompanied.

Kids under 1.2m in height may struggle to see from the very front rows of any stand. Rows 10–20 generally provide better elevation while keeping close to the action. Avoid upper tier corner sections with young children – the steep stairs and height can be intimidating.

The Family Red Zone in the Brian Clough Stand car park operates from 12pm for 3pm kick-offs, offering face painting, children's games, live entertainment, and food and drink – ideal pre-match activity.

Toilets are located throughout the stadium, though queues at half-time can be significant. Plan toilet breaks at around 35 minutes or immediately at half-time to avoid the worst queues. Concessions sell standard stadium food – burgers, pies, hot dogs (£3.30–£5). Small snacks for children are permitted (no glass containers).

Sections to avoid with young children include the Trent End lower tier (very loud, lots of standing) and Bridgford Stand upper tier Blocks Y1–Z (similarly intense).

Best Seating for Accessibility at City Ground

The City Ground provides 74 wheelchair-user spaces distributed across all four stands, each with a companion seat included. The Brian Clough Stand wheelchair positions offer some of the best elevated views.

• Spaces available in Brian Clough Stand, Trent End, Bridgford Stand, and Peter Taylor Stand.
• Each wheelchair position includes a fixed companion seat directly behind.
• Visitors in wheelchairs are requested to remain in their wheelchair during events for safety.
• Specific ambulant-disabled seating areas identified for those with mobility needs.
• In the away section, most accessible seating is in Block X1, Rows P and Q, seats 85–112.

Visitors with accessibility needs should enter via designated accessible entrances. Staff at these entrances provide assistance and ensure a smooth entry process.

Facilities:

• Eight accessible toilets around the ground near wheelchair seating areas.
• Nearest accessible toilet to the away section is in the home block between Y1 and Y2 (ask a steward).
• Limited accessible parking – six spaces for visiting supporters in the Brian Clough Stand car park (£10, pre-book through your club).
• Nottingham Rugby Club (1 Holme Road, NG2 5AA) offers accessible parking on a first-come, first-served basis, half a mile away.
• Free audio-descriptive commentary (book via accessibility@nottinghamforest.co.uk).
• Guide and assistance dogs permitted; hearing loops in operation; club shop fully accessible.

For specific accessibility requirements, contact the club's accessibility team:
Email: accessibility@nottinghamforest.co.uk
Phone: 0115 982 4388

Best Seating to Leave Quickly After the Match

If catching trains or facing long drives home, seat location significantly affects exit speed.

• Fastest exits: Brian Clough Stand lower tier sections nearest the Trent End side – wide exits leading directly toward routes to Nottingham station and car parks.
• Peter Taylor Stand: reasonable exit times but may go against main crowd flow if heading to station/city centre.
• Slower exits: Trent End and Bridgford Stand concourses (narrower, more congestion).
• Slowest: upper tier corner sections in all stands – stairs and spiral staircases create bottlenecks.

Best strategies:

• Leave 5 minutes before full-time to beat the crush (but risk missing late drama).
• Wait 20 minutes after the final whistle – crowds thin dramatically.
• Use nearby pubs like The Boot Room or The Big Shed to wait out traffic and queues.

Best Seating Sections During Bad Weather

For guaranteed rain protection, book seats in:

• Brian Clough Stand lower tier (rows 10+).
• Peter Taylor Stand centre sections.

The Trent End provides good coverage for most seats, though rows 1–10 can get wet in heavy rain. The Bridgford Stand offers the least protection – front rows (1–10) are exposed, especially in the away section. Rows 15+ receive better coverage.

Upper tier corner sections in all stands are the coldest and windiest, especially on autumn and winter evenings. Layers and waterproofs are essential from November through March.

If stuck in an exposed section:

• Arrive 20–30 minutes before kick-off to minimize time in your seat before the game starts.
• Shelter on concourses until just before kick-off in particularly bad weather.

Stadium Facilities & Amenities

Food & Drink

Concession stands throughout the stadium offer standard football food:

• Pies from £3.30
• Sausage rolls from £2.40
• Burgers & hot dogs £4–£5

Vegetarian options are available at most kiosks; Halal and vegan options at select concession stands (ask staff). The Forest Review matchday programme costs £3.

The City Ground is completely cashless – all concessions, club shop, and ticket office accept only card payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. No cash transactions are possible inside.

Alcohol is served at most concession stands (except the Family Zone). Pints cost £4–£5. Half-time queues can take 10–15 minutes – smart fans go at 42 minutes or wait until 50 minutes.

Toilets

Toilets are located throughout the stadium. Half-time brings the worst queues – 5–15 minutes is normal. Going at 35–40 minutes or after 50 minutes reduces wait times. Eight accessible toilets are positioned near wheelchair seating areas.

Other Facilities

• Free WiFi – connect to 'NFFC_Public' (may be slow during matches).
• No phone charging points in seating areas – bring a portable charger.
• First aid stations available – stewards can direct you.
• Lost property – report to any steward or the main ticket office.
• Multi-faith prayer room in the Brian Clough Stand (ask staff for directions).
• City Ground Megastore opens matchdays from 9am until ~45 minutes post-match; fully accessible and cashless.

What to Bring & What Not to Bring

Recommended to Bring

• Match ticket (mobile ticket or screenshot – no need to print).
• Weather-appropriate clothing (waterproofs, layers for winter).
• Portable phone charger.
• Payment card or mobile payment method (stadium is cashless).
• Cash for street food vendors outside the stadium.
• Small snacks for children (in small bags under A4 size).

Allowed with Caution

• Small bags smaller than A4 (21cm x 29.7cm).
• Cameras and phones (no professional camera equipment).
• Small amounts of food (no glass containers).
• Flags with prior permission from Stadium Operations (0115 982 4444).

Prohibited Items

• Large bags, backpacks, or suitcases.
• Glass bottles or containers.
• Alcohol from outside the stadium.
• Umbrellas (banned for safety reasons).
• Flares, smoke bombs, fireworks.
• Professional camera or video recording equipment.
• Offensive clothing or banners; banners without prior permission.

All bags are subject to search upon entry. Prohibited items are confiscated and not stored – don't bring anything you can't take inside.

Stadium Entry & Bag Checks

Entry involves a straightforward process: bag search (if carrying a bag), ticket scan at the turnstile, then entering the stadium. The process typically takes 2–3 minutes per person unless queues are heavy. Turnstiles open 90 minutes before kick-off; most close 10 minutes after kick-off, with some late turnstiles open until half-time.

Security measures can include bag searches, metal detector checks, and sniffer dogs. Away sections often experience more thorough checks. Security staff are professional and efficient unless prohibited items are found.

Mobile tickets work directly from email or the official club app; screenshots are accepted. The Here-To-Help squad (stewards in distinctive uniforms) can assist with ticket scanning issues. Peak entry times are 20–40 minutes before kick-off.

Important: Once inside, you cannot re-enter. Don't leave the stadium to retrieve items from cars – you will likely not be allowed back in.

For visitors collecting tickets on matchday, the Visitors' Ticket Office in the Brian Clough Stand opens 2 hours before kick-off. Bring photo ID for collection.

City Ground's History & Significance

The City Ground opened in 1898, making it one of English football's oldest continuously-used stadiums. Nottingham Forest, founded in 1865, had moved between six different grounds before settling here. The site was built on land granted by royal charter in 1551.

Forest's first match at the City Ground attracted 32,070 fans for an FA Cup fixture against Aston Villa, the first Nottingham match to generate over £1,000 in gate receipts. The ground soon hosted multiple FA Cup semi-finals and an England vs Wales international.

The stadium's golden era came under Brian Clough (1975–1993), when Forest won the First Division (1978) and back-to-back European Cups (1979, 1980). The Executive Stand (now the Brian Clough Stand) was financed by this success. The opposite stand honours his assistant, Peter Taylor.

Key events:

• 1947 – River Trent floods; water reaches crossbar height with swans on the pitch.
• 1968 – Fire destroys main stand during a match against Leeds United.
• 1993 – Bridgford Stand rebuilt to meet all-seater requirements.
• 1996 – Trent End rebuilt for Euro 96; hosted three group stage matches.

The City Ground and Meadow Lane sit just 300 yards apart, making them the closest professional stadiums in England. Record attendance is 49,946 vs Manchester United (October 1967).

Ambitious expansion plans (announced 2024–25) aim for capacity of 45,000 by 2031 and 52,000 by 2033, via redevelopment of the Peter Taylor Stand, Trent End corners, and later the Brian Clough Stand – a £1 billion investment from owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Safety & Security at City Ground

The City Ground maintains high safety standards with professional stewarding and comprehensive security. Stewards are visible at every entry point, in seating sections, and on concourses, trained to handle everything from lost fans to serious incidents.

Police presence varies by fixture, with more officers at high-profile games. Overall, the atmosphere is typically safe and welcoming. If you feel unsafe or witness concerning behaviour, approach the nearest steward immediately or use the safety hotline shown on screens.

Medical facilities and first aiders are present, with paramedics available for serious emergencies. Lost child procedures are well-established – notify a steward immediately if separated. Parents should agree a meeting point with children before entering.

The stadium is strictly all-seater. Persistent standing in seated sections can lead to warnings from stewards. Safe standing-style areas exist in some vocal sections but most seats are expected to be used as such.

Stadium Atmosphere & Supporter Culture

The City Ground is renowned for having one of the Premier League's best atmospheres. Compact stands close to the pitch create intense noise, especially during big fixtures. The Trent End and Bridgford Stand upper tier are particularly loud.

Forest's most distinctive tradition is singing 'Mull of Kintyre' before big matches – a spine-tingling moment when 30,000 fans join in. Other chants celebrate Forest's European Cup wins and Nottingham's football heritage.

The Trent End leads most singing, with the Bridgford Stand upper tier home support joining in. The Brian Clough and Peter Taylor Stands are quieter but still contribute. Visiting supporters generally report passionate yet respectful rivalry.

The riverside setting and historic surroundings contribute to matchday magic – this is a traditional football ground with real character, not a generic modern bowl.

Getting Away from City Ground After the Match

The 10 minutes immediately after full-time see the heaviest congestion as 30,000+ fans leave. Crowds typically take 20–30 minutes to fully clear the immediate area.

Walking

Walking to Nottingham station normally takes 20 minutes, or 25–30 minutes post-match due to crowding. Best approaches:

• Leave at 85 minutes to beat the main rush (but risk missing late drama).
• Wait 20 minutes after full-time, then walk – much less crowded.

Public Transport

Buses to the city centre get very busy post-match, with 10–20 minute queues not uncommon. Walking is often faster. Trams from the city centre run additional services but can also be crowded.

Taxis & Rideshares

Taxi availability is limited immediately post-match, with surge pricing common on Uber and Bolt. Pre-book minicabs or wait 20–30 minutes for prices and demand to drop. Station taxi ranks usually offer the best chance of a cab.

Driving

Traffic congestion affects all routes out of West Bridgford for 30–45 minutes after the final whistle. Those parked at Greenfields and Emmanuel School generally exit faster than those in city centre car parks or street parking.

The best use of time is often waiting out crowds at a nearby pub like The Boot Room Bar or The Big Shed, enjoying a post-match drink and debrief while queues and traffic reduce.

Frequently Asked Questions About City Ground

The City Ground combines historic charm with modern facilities, creating one of English football's most atmospheric venues. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, the riverside setting, passionate supporters, and rich history make matchdays here truly memorable.