We travel to the banks of the Trent first time since 2011, so there is likely to be a few Saints fans who have never visited the City Ground, but don't worry we have all the infor you need here.
The Ground
Nottingham Forest's City Ground is one of those grounds that is much changed over the years, not one stand remains from the mid 60's and indeed for those of us that first visited for the FA Cup tie of 1977, only one stand still remains.
The ground consists of four separate and distinct stands, The Trent End the traditional home of Forest supporters was rebuilt around the mid 1990's in preparation for the Euro 96 Championships held in England with some games at the City Ground.
The main stand was built in the late 60's after a fire destroyed the original structure, with the opposite stand being built around 1980 from the proceeds of Forest's European Cup win of 1979, this leaves only the away end this being built around 1992, the dichotomy of the stadium being that although in the main it appears fairly new, in actual fact even the newest stand is approaching 30 years old.
The Ground itself stands on the banks of the Trent with Notts County's ground less than a quarter of a mile away directly across the river as the crow flies at one end with Trent Bridge cricket ground being even nearer behind the other goal.
Getting There
By Car
Take the M1 to Junction 24 and follow signs to Nottingham on the A453, after around 5 miles you come to the Nottingham Ring Road or A52, here the ground is signposted, but take note these signs take you right round the ring road towards Grantham at this stage you are about two miles from the ground the trip around the ring road will take you 5-6 miles, far better to follow signs to West Bridgford, its far quicker.
Parking
If you have taken our advice and followed signs to West bridgford then as you near the ground vicinity look for street parking and walk the last 1/2 mile or so as around the ground is limited although there are some car parks, namely near the cricket ground where you can park for a small fee usually around a fiver.
By Train
Nottingham Midland station is about a mile away turn left as you come out and at the dual carriageway follow it straight past Notts County's ground and to Trent Bridge where you will see the ground.
The Away End
Saints are in the Bridgford Stand which can hold around 4,000 if needed, its a two tiered effort although the away section is only on the lower tier although this tier is split into two levels. This lower level is split into both home and away fans.
The ground sells the usual fare including alcohol. However the concourse is a little small and it can get quite packed at half time.
Drinking Etc
On our previous visits Saints supporters congregated in the Notts County supporters club, just across the river, although allow 15 mins for the walk to the ground from here,
Most of the pubs around the ground implement a strictly home fans only policy, so its quite difficult to find one to let you in especially if you are wearing colours, hence why many away supporters drink around Meadow lane where home fans are sparse.
There are some bars near to Trent Bridge cricket ground that will allow away fans in, The Stratford Haven is one and is about 1/2 mile in total from the City Ground.
One option that has been mentioned on fan websites is very near to the ground on the banks of the River Trent, the Nottingham Rowing Club, apparently away fans are welcome with a small entry fee.
Nottingham has a good range of pubs in the City Centre and around the train station and of course there is the legendary Hooters, just across Trent Bridge and then straight up the road.
Capacity: 30,602 (all seated)
Web Site: www.nottinghamforest.co.uk
Address: City Ground, Nottingham, NG2 5FJ
Year Ground Opened: 1898
Pitch Size: 115 x 78 yards