Track Tickets
City Ground Tickets & Match Day Guide
From Nottingham City Centre
Nottingham Railway Station is approximately 1 mile from the City Ground, translating to a comfortable 20-minute walk. Exit the main station entrance, turn left onto Station Street, then left again onto Carrington Street. Continue along this road as it becomes Meadows Way, follow for half a mile until it joins London Road, then turn right over Trent Bridge. The stadium becomes visible on your left.
For those preferring public transport, Nottingham City Transport Green Line buses (routes 5–11) run frequently from outside the railway station to stops near the stadium, taking approximately 10 minutes. These buses depart every 5–10 minutes and cost around £2.50–£3.50 with contactless payment. The Cricket Ground bus stop on Fox Road is the closest, just a 5-minute walk from the stadium.
From East Midlands Airport
East Midlands Airport sits approximately 13 miles southwest of Nottingham. The Skylink bus service provides direct connections from the airport to Nottingham city centre, stopping at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground near the City Ground. The journey takes 45–60 minutes and costs around £6–£8 for a single ticket. Buses run every 30 minutes throughout the day.
Alternatively, a taxi from the airport to the City Ground costs approximately £35–£45 and takes 25–30 minutes depending on traffic. For those hiring a car, follow the A453 and M1 to junction 24, then follow signs to Nottingham city centre.
By Car
From the M1 motorway, exit at junction 24 (approaching from the south) or junction 26 (from the north). Follow brown tourist signs for Nottingham city centre, then follow signs for West Bridgford and Trent Bridge. The A6011 Radcliffe Road provides the most direct route to the stadium.
Matchday traffic can be heavy, particularly in the 90 minutes before kick-off, so allow extra time. Controlled parking zones operate in the surrounding residential streets of West Bridgford on matchdays, resulting in parking tickets and fines for those parking without permits. We strongly recommend using official car parks rather than street parking.
By Taxi and Rideshare
Taxis from Nottingham city centre to the City Ground typically cost £8–£12 and take 10 minutes outside matchdays. On matchdays, expect journey times to increase to 15–20 minutes due to traffic and road closures.
Taxi ranks are located outside Nottingham Railway Station on both Station Street (front) and Queens Road (rear). Uber and Bolt operate in Nottingham with surge pricing common on matchdays. For matchday drop-offs, drivers typically use Scarrington Road off Lady Bay Bridge near the Brian Clough Stand car park. Collection after matches can take 20–30 minutes due to congestion, so either leave 5 minutes early or wait 20 minutes after full-time for crowds to clear.
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.
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
What time do gates open?
Gates typically open 90 minutes before kick-off. Most turnstiles close 10 minutes after kick-off, with some remaining open until half-time. Arrive 45–60 minutes before kick-off to avoid queues and enjoy the atmosphere.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Small amounts of food are permitted in bags smaller than A4 size, but glass containers and alcohol are prohibited. The stadium is entirely cashless, so all purchases require card or mobile payment.
Is there a bag size limit?
Yes. Only small bags smaller than A4 (21cm x 29.7cm) are permitted. Large bags, backpacks, and suitcases are not allowed. All bags are searched at entry.
Can I bring a camera?
Phones and small cameras are permitted. Professional camera equipment and any device capable of streaming video are prohibited.
Where's the best spot for photos outside the stadium?
Trent Bridge offers beautiful views with the stadium as a backdrop. The Brian Clough statue outside the ground and the riverside paths along the Victoria Embankment are also popular photo locations.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. Mobile tickets work directly from email or the club app. Screenshots are accepted if you're worried about connectivity.
What happens if I'm late?
Most turnstiles close 10 minutes after kick-off, but some remain open until half-time. If you arrive late, ask a steward to direct you to late-entry points.
Can I change seats once inside?
No. You must sit in your allocated seat. Moving to other sections, even if seats are empty, is not permitted.
Is there WiFi?
Yes. Free WiFi is available – connect to 'NFFC_Public'. Performance may slow when thousands of users are online.
Where should I go if I lose my companions?
Approach the nearest steward – they can help reunite you. It's best to arrange a meeting point (e.g. main ticket office) before entering the stadium.
What are the stadium capacity and expansion plans?
Current capacity is 30,455. Plans aim to expand to 45,000 by 2031 and 52,000 by 2033 through major stand redevelopments, representing around £1 billion in investment.
How close is Notts County's stadium?
Meadow Lane sits just 300 yards (270m) away across the River Trent, making City Ground and Meadow Lane the closest professional football stadiums in England.
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.
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.
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.