Nottingham, England
City Ground
Premier League
Getting tickets to watch Nottingham Forest at the City Ground has become increasingly popular. While the club offers memberships that allow you to apply for tickets directly, these often sell out quickly to season ticket holders and members. For visitors, the easiest option is booking through travel agencies and ticket companies that specialize in football trips. These companies offer both match tickets on their own or complete packages with accommodation. It's worth comparing different options as some packages include extras like stadium tours or pre-match hospitality.
When comparing different Forest match packages, look beyond just the ticket prices. Some companies offer basic tickets with seating in the Trent End, while others provide premium experiences in the Peter Taylor Stand. Hotel locations vary significantly - you might find options near the City Ground or in Nottingham city centre. Transport arrangements differ too - certain packages include pickup from your hotel, while others might offer guidance on using local transport. Each provider has their own cancellation policies and payment terms, so it's worth checking these details.
Match tickets at the City Ground are highly sought after, especially for big games against rivals like Derby County or matches against the Premier League's top clubs. If you're buying through authorized sellers, they typically offer tickets in several areas of the stadium. The Trent End offers the most atmospheric experience, while the Brian Clough Stand provides excellent views of the action. For families, the Peter Taylor Stand often offers the best option with its family-friendly sections. Some companies also offer hospitality packages in the 1865 Club.
The City Ground has been Forest's home since 1898 and sits beautifully alongside the River Trent. The stadium holds around 30,000 fans and creates an electric atmosphere, especially for evening games. Most fans gather at the Trent Navigation Inn or the Southbank Bar before matches. The club shop is located at the ground and opens on match days. Remember to arrive early to soak in the pre-match atmosphere and join in with the famous "Mull of Kintyre" being sung before kick-off.
Reaching the City Ground is straightforward from Nottingham city centre. The most popular option is taking a 10-minute walk from Nottingham Station, following the crowd along London Road. Several bus routes (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) stop near the ground, and there are water taxis that run along the River Trent on match days. If driving, there's limited parking at the ground, but several public car parks are available nearby. Many fans choose to park in the city centre and enjoy the walk to the stadium.
Choosing between a package trip and standalone tickets depends on your needs. Package trips typically include hotel accommodation and your match ticket, taking away the hassle of separate bookings. Some also include transport to and from the stadium. Buying tickets separately gives you more flexibility with accommodation and travel arrangements, but you'll need to organize everything yourself. For first-time visitors to Nottingham, package trips often provide better value and convenience.
Forest's main rivalry is with Derby County, known as the East Midlands Derby - one of English football's oldest rivalries. They also have competitive relationships with Leicester City and Sheffield United. In their glory days under Brian Clough, Forest developed rivalries with Liverpool and other top-flight teams. While currently in the Premier League, matches against teams like Manchester United and Chelsea always create extra excitement.
Nottingham Forest's rich history includes winning the European Cup twice under Brian Clough in 1979 and 1980. The club has been home to several English football legends, including Peter Shilton, Stuart Pearce, and Roy Keane. Swedish striker Tomas Brolin had a brief spell at the club, though it wasn't his most successful period. More recently, Welsh international Brennan Johnson emerged from the academy before his big move, and the club continues to attract international talent to the City Ground.
Nottingham offers plenty to do beyond football. The historic Nottingham Castle provides fantastic views over the city, while the legendary Sherwood Forest is just a short drive away. The Lace Market area offers excellent shopping and dining options, and you can visit the famous Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem - claimed to be England's oldest pub. The National Justice Museum provides fascinating insights into British law history, and the City of Caves offers underground tours of Nottingham's ancient cave network.