City Ground

The City Ground stands on the banks of the River Trent in West Bridgford, a short distance from Nottingham city centre. It has been the home of Nottingham Forest since 1898, making it one of the oldest football grounds still in use. The stadium sits opposite Meadow Lane, home of Notts County, with the two grounds separated by the river. They are the closest professional football stadiums in England, just 270 metres apart. The ground has hosted major matches, including games during UEFA Euro 1996. Nottingham Forest is the third oldest league club in the world, founded in 1865. The club moved to the City Ground in 1898 after several earlier grounds, including the Forest Recreation Ground and Trent Bridge. The new ground was built on land granted to the city by Edward VI in the 16th century. Forest raised £3,000 through bond subscriptions to finance the move, with many supporters effectively donating their contributions. The pitch was specially prepared by William Bardill, a nurseryman who laid a drainage layer and imported high-quality turf by barge. Visitors find a modern stadium with a capacity of over 31,000, surrounded by the waters of the River Trent. The ground has hosted four FA Cup semi-finals and an England international match. In 1922, it became the first to use elliptical goalposts, a design later adopted widely. The Trent End and East Stand have been expanded over the years, with flood damage in 1947 and wartime use for boxing and gymkhanas. The stadium remains a key part of Nottingham’s sporting heritage.