As about 5,000 City fans are making the journey on Tuesday, there will be some who haven’t visited the City Ground before, so here’s our guide with the help of Paul Ellis from their supporters club.
The City Ground is situated south of Nottingham City Centre and the River Trent opposite Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Visitors are normally accommodated in the Lower Tier of the Bridgford Stand. The capacity is 4,750 but this is usually reduced to about 3,000. The facilities and view of the action are good. It is advised to keep colours covered around the ground, especially if you support another Midlands team.
Access to the visitors' turnstiles is through The Brian Clough Stand car park via Scarrington Road off Lady Bay Bridge. It is also possible to follow Colwick Road (and Orston Road), to get to these turnstiles, this can be found halfway along Radcliffe Road next to a pedestrian crossing. Parking prohibitions are in force on match days around the ground. Nottingham City Council operates a paying car park 15-20 minutes walk away on Victoria Embankment. Access is via Clifton Bridge complex to Queens Drive and then Riverside Way. South of the river in West Bridgford it is permitted to park in the side streets; however, it should be noted that this parking is in short supply and is unpopular with residents. There are also a number of places on the opposite side of the Trent, including Notts County's Meadow Lane ground. Some streets may have parking restrictions…..
From the North: Leave the M1 at junction 26, following the signs to Nottingham via the A610 Nuthall Road until you meet the Nottingham Ring Road A6514 at Western Boulevard. Turn Right and follow the Ring Road South, passing the Queens Medical Centre where the Ring Road becomes the A52. Continue South on the A52 signposted Grantham over Clifton Bridge, past the Nottingham Knight Island to join the Lings Bar Road at the next traffic island. Continue to the Gamston Island and then turn left into Radcliffe Road (A6011). Turn right into Pavilion Road for Reception and Colwick Rd for Away Supporters.
From the South: Leave the M1 at junction 24, on the A453 towards Nottingham. At the Clifton Bridge complex follow signs A52 Grantham past Nottingham Knight Island to join the Lings Bar Road at the next traffic island. Follow the A52 signposted Grantham to the Gamston Island and then turn left into Radcliffe Road (A6011). Turn right into Pavilion Road for Reception and Colwick Rd for Away Supporters. From the East: Approach via the A52 Radcliffe Road from Grantham. At Gamston Island continue along Radcliffe Road as it becomes the A6011. Turn right into Pavilion Road for Reception and Colwick Rd for Away Supporters.
From the West: Approach via the A52 from Derby to the Nottingham Ring Road, along the Stapleford Bypass. Turn right onto the Ring Road (A52) and follow routes as above. Alternatively, from the M42, follow the A453 to the Clifton Bridge complex and follow routes as from the south
By Train: Nottingham Midland Railway Station is situated in the town centre, less than a mile from the ground. It is a relatively uncomplicated 10-minute walk to the City Ground. You should leave the railway station by the main entrance/exit and turn to your left. At the corner of the station turn left again into Queens Road and follow this to the T-junction with London Road. Turn right here and follow this road towards the river and Trent Bridge from where you will be able to see the best view of the City Ground across the river to your left. The away end is furthest from the river. Day return cost is approx £7-60 but check costs and return times of trains. www.thetrainline.com
By Bus from City: Buses 6 to 11 all run from the City Centre, number 6 is the most frequent. You can get them from Collin Street, just up from the Broadmarsh Centre or from Carrington Street between the Broadmarsh and the train station. They all stop close to Trent Bridge.
Pubs and Grub
The ground is located in an area with plentiful bars within walking distance. There are also many fast food outlets, especially along Radcliffe Road immediately to the south of the ground. The Larwood and Voce has become the 'unofficial' pub for away supporters, and is conveniently located only a few hundred yards away from the Bridgford Stand. It adjoins the cricket ground (Trent Bridge) and can be found by turning off Radcliffe Road (the big road next to the ground parallel to the river) at the brown office building beside a pedestrian crossing. The pub is about 75 yards up this road (Fox Road) on your right. The Southbank, very near to the ground and the King John in the city centre, should be avoided by away supporters. The Trent Bridge Inn does not allow away supporters in. If you have time to spend in the city centre there are a vast number of pubs, clubs and eating places. For a bit of history visit the Trip to Jerusalem near the castle.
Please check the cost and times of trains etc. All information is provided in good faith but the Foxes Trust cannot be held responsible for any errors.
Thanks to Paul Ellis of Nottingham Forest Supporters Club and Football Ground guide