During the inaugural match of the new Premier League season against AFC Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest unveiled improvements to City Ground. The stadium underwent a multi-million-pound redevelopment program that lasted all summer.

New standing areas

Nottingham Forest representatives stated that the work done over the past few months will not only enhance the matchday experience for fans but will also make City Ground a unique venue for hosting events year-round. One of the most significant investments is the introduction of safe standing areas, a major step forward in improving the fan experience while ensuring safety remains paramount.

The safe standing zones will allow fans to stand during matches, amplifying the famous atmosphere and passion of City Ground. The Upper Bridgford Stand has seen 4,196 safe standing spots installed in blocks U1, U2, and block Z of the Lower Bridgford Stand. Away fans will be able to safely stand in block W of the Lower Bridgford Stand.

© Harry Edmo

New, broader offerings

As part of further stadium enhancements, two brand-new high-definition screens were installed at Trent End, along with a new ultra-wide screen at Bridgford End. New seating has also been installed in the lower rows of the Peter Taylor Stand and in the corners of the Brian Clough Stand, allowing more fans to attend home games despite high demand for tickets.

Fans can also spend time in the Fan Zone, located behind the Brian Clough Stand. This space, launched last year, is perfect for soaking up the pre-match atmosphere and enjoying entertainment. The club has also invested millions in its VIP infrastructure, carrying out significant renovations in several existing lounges and creating new, exciting spaces. Working with world-class catering partner Sodexo Live!, the club has redefined its culinary offerings, delivering new, impressive menus with top-level service.

The recently opened museum at Trent End offers an exclusive experience, where guests can explore the museum and meet Nottingham legends, whose memorabilia are proudly displayed. Extensive work has also been done to modernize and upgrade the existing hospitality lounges. The long-standing 1865 Lounge has undergone a complete overhaul and has been renamed Founders 1865 for the new season. This renovation has given the space a new, luxurious feel, creating an appealing new dining option for guests.

© Nffcchris (copyright-free)

The popular Legends Lounge has also been significantly revamped. Now called The Trentside Lounge, in tribute to the club’s iconic riverside location, it has been transformed into one of the finest and most unique hospitality lounges in the Premier League, with expansive views over the River Trent and the city skyline. The Trentside Lounge is set to become one of the most sought-after event spaces in Nottinghamshire year-round, capable of hosting 500 guests for conferences, banquets, and other events.

Meanwhile, work is underway on the unique Corner Box project, which will provide space for an additional 180 restaurant guests in eco-friendly, recycled-material rooms between the Trent End and Brian Clough stands.

Goal: 50,000 seats

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is also planning a significant stadium expansion. City Ground, home to Forest since 1898, has a current capacity of just over 30,000, making it the 15th largest stadium among current Premier League clubs. The Greek businessman plans to increase this capacity to 50,000 seats. Marinakis announced this on the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast: We need a bigger stadium. We have a lot of fans and a huge waiting list for season tickets. I’m sure a 50,000-capacity stadium would be full, he said.

© Gary McCafferty (cc: by-nc-nd)

Will they stay at City Ground?

Earlier reports suggested that Forest had considered moving away from City Ground due to a deadlock with the city council, which owned the land on which the stadium stands. However, in July, the club announced it had reached an agreement to purchase the land from local authorities. This likely means that Marinakis will use the land to build the new 50,000-seat stadium. This is important for the team, but more importantly for Nottingham. It’s something I want to finalize, to have one of the best stadiums in England for years to come. That is my main goal, the owner emphasized.