Nottingham Forest returned to the Premier League in 2022, sparking a scramble for limited tickets to watch top-flight action. It quickly became apparent that the City Ground needs to be expanded, with redevelopment plans already in place.

Delivered on Premier League remit

Our home.. A stadium with red seating and a green pitch. The stands display “Nottingham Forest.” https://x.com/NFFC/status/1962095062289994104

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 31, 2025

He has delivered on that remit, with Steve Cooper getting Forest over the promotion-winning line at Wembley Stadium in the Championship play-off final as 23 years of pain were brought to a close. The Reds have been able to hold their own among the elite, with Premier League 2025/26 betting odds pricing them at 7/2 for a top-half finish.

Forest set the loftiest of targets

The obvious question now is: What happens next? Progress on the field is obviously imperative when it comes to retaining interest off the pitch, with success-starved supporters desperate to savour a repeat of the glory days that were once enjoyed under Brian Clough. Hitting those heights again is a huge task, but Forest are happy to set the loftiest of targets. That means piecing together surroundings that are befitting of a club that intends to rub shoulders with domestic and continental heavyweights.

Current capacity of City Ground

As things stand, the City Ground can welcome a little over 30,000 spectators through its doors on any given matchday. There have been times when Forest could have sold double that amount of tickets. They are, as a result, missing out on important revenue in an era of FFP and PSR regulations.

Initial redevelopment blueprints pointed towards overall capacity being bumped up to 42,000. The Peter Taylor Stand was to be raised to the ground and rebuilt as a two-tier structure that incorporated swanky new hospitality suites. Inevitable issues have been faced along the way.

Obstacles faced in planning process

Full planning permission is in place, but Forest must find the funds to improve local bus services, update a local road junction and cycle path improvements on nearby Lady Bay Bridge. That work comes with a seven-figure price tag. Nottingham Rowing Club's Britannia boathouse also needs to be relocated.

With so many obstacles being placed in their path, it was suggested at one stage that Forest could scrap rebuild plans and err towards relocation. A move away from iconic surroundings was met by opposition from supporters that have no intention of bidding farewell to a venue that has been called home since 1898.

Marinakis outlines bold ambition for Forest

Tweet TrenthutsonFJ https://x.com/trenthutsonfj/status/1549868011976380416

— TrenthutsonFJ (@trenthutsonfj) July 28, 2022

Marinakis has now boldly claimed: We have a lot of supporters and a huge waiting list for season tickets. I'm sure a 50,000-seat stadium will be full watching our team and our passion. Rather than being reined in, grand plans are getting bigger. That is despite building quotes reportedly soaring from around £94 million to £130m. Forest, though, need to tread carefully. There is always the threat of tumbling out of the top tier once more, leaving fans rattling around in a half-empty bowl, or interest waning if the Reds merely tick over year on year. Ambition is to be applauded, but it is important to ensure that demand always outweighs supply.