Nottingham Forest FC Tickets & Matchday Guide
City Ground • Nottingham2025/26 Season
How to Buy Nottingham Forest FC Tickets
We cover every path into the stadium: official club channels, officially authorized hospitality partners, and vetted resellers. Each evaluated honestly with realistic expectations so you know exactly what to expect.
Official Nottingham Forest FC Tickets
City Ground holds just over 31,000 fans and regularly sells out in the Premier League. A paid MyForest membership is required to access ticket sales. The stadium expansion plans announced in late 2025 won't add capacity until the 2030/31 season at the earliest, so demand remains high for a relatively small ground.
Quick reality check for visitors:
- • Big matches (Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, local derbies): Near impossible through official channels without an established purchase history. Hospitality or verified marketplaces are the realistic route
- • Mid-table Premier League fixtures: Possible with a MyForest membership, but far from certain. City Ground's relatively small capacity means even lower-profile fixtures can sell out
- • Cup competitions and early rounds: Best targets for first-time visitors through official channels
- • The Ticket Exchange opens up face-value options in the weeks before each match - worth checking regularly once standard sales are exhausted
The MyForest membership system:
- • MyForest Pro is the premium tier, capped at 7,439 members. Pro members get first priority in ticket sales and are automatically linked to the Season Card waiting list
- • MyForest Plus sits behind Pro in the sales queue and is also capped at a set number
- • MyForest Core is the standard adult home membership, the most accessible entry point for first-time visitors
- • International Reds is a dedicated overseas membership tier for fans outside the UK, also giving access to ticket sales
- • All tiers include access to the Ticket Exchange, discounts on museum and stadium tours, and retail promotions
How the ticket sales process works:
- • Members receive email notifications when ticket sales open for each fixture
- • Sales run in priority order: Pro members first, then Plus, then Core
- • After the member window, any remaining tickets may go to a general public sale, though this rarely happens for sold-out fixtures
- • The club's ticketing portal is at eticketing.co.uk/nottinghamforest
Nottingham Forest Ticket Exchange (your backup plan):
- • Season card holders can list seats they can no longer use. These go back on sale at face value through the official exchange
- • All MyForest members can access the Ticket Exchange - you need a membership to buy through it
- • Exchange tickets appear as seats become available in the weeks before each fixture. Check regularly rather than once
- • The exchange is at nottinghamforest.co.uk/tickets/ticket-exchange/
What's realistically accessible without a purchase history:
- • Best targets: Cup competitions in earlier rounds, and lower-demand Premier League fixtures against newly promoted or mid-table sides
- • Mid-tier: A MyForest Core membership gives you access, but the small stadium size means there is genuine competition even for ordinary fixtures
- • Near impossible: Top-six opponents, local derbies (Derby County, Leicester City). Use hospitality or a verified marketplace for these
- • Our take: Buy a MyForest Core membership if you're planning ahead and want to try the official route. For any high-demand match, go straight to hospitality or a verified secondary market
Pricing (when you get through):
- • Forest uses a category system based on the opposition - higher-profile opponents mean higher prices
- • Budget-friendly options exist in the upper tiers and end stands
- • Face value is significantly cheaper than secondary market prices for any in-demand fixture
- • Check the official website for current pricing - no specific prices are listed here as they change each season
When Official Tickets Work
- Buy a MyForest Core membership as early in the season as possible. Pro members get first access, so upgrading to a higher tier if available improves your odds for better fixtures
- Check the Ticket Exchange in the three to four weeks before a match. Season card holders release seats regularly, especially for midweek games
- Cup competitions in earlier rounds - FA Cup and League Cup - are your best shot through official channels without any purchase history
- International Reds membership exists specifically for overseas fans and gives the same ticket access as domestic memberships - worth considering if you're planning a trip from abroad
Nottingham Forest FC Official Hospitality & Packages
Nottingham Forest offers a range of hospitality packages at City Ground, from lounge access with a pre-match buffet to the Directors' Box with four-course dining. Hospitality is often the most reliable route to a guaranteed seat at City Ground for high-demand fixtures. This covers the match-day experience only - you arrange your own hotel and transport separately.
Nottingham Forest Official Hospitality
Direct From ClubMultiple matchday hospitality options at City Ground. The Trentside Lounge (formerly the Legends Lounge) is an open-plan space with views over the River Trent, offering a pre-match buffet and access to a bar. The Directors' Club includes a four-course meal hosted by a Forest legend, with seating in the Directors' Box alongside the chairman and directors. Private executive suites are available for groups wanting a dedicated space with their own host.
Browse Official Packages →Seat Unique
Official PartnerOfficial hospitality partner offering premium matchday experiences at City Ground, with access to exclusive lounges, premium seating, and fine dining packages. Provides an additional inventory source when direct club packages are sold out for specific fixtures.
View Packages →Choosing the Right Hospitality
- For Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and local derbies, hospitality is the most reliable way to secure a seat at City Ground
- The Trentside Lounge is the most accessible hospitality option - pre-match dining with River Trent views at a lower price point than the Directors' Club
- Book early for big fixtures - high-demand matches against top-six clubs and local rivals sell out quickly
- City Ground's compact size means even mid-tier hospitality packages offer relatively good views compared to larger Premier League grounds
Nottingham Forest FC Ticket Marketplaces
Secondary market platforms with availability when official channels sell out. City Ground's limited capacity of just over 31,000 means demand regularly outstrips official supply, making secondary markets a common route for visiting fans.
Ticket resale platforms operate independently of Nottingham Forest FC and Matchday Guide. Clubs reserve the right to refuse entry for unauthorized tickets. All purchases are at your own risk. We recommend choosing vendors with buyer protection and checking ratings on Trustpilot.
LiveFootballTickets.com
150% Refund PolicySpecialized football platform with 150% money-back guarantee and transparent pricing focused on European matches.
Browse Tickets →HelloTickets
Curated network of vetted professional sellers with multilingual support. Tourist-friendly platform with straightforward navigation and refund protection if events are canceled or tickets don't arrive on time.
Browse Tickets →StubHub
Large global marketplace with strong buyer guarantee. Good inventory for Premier League matches and straightforward mobile ticket delivery.
Browse Tickets →Marketplace Safety Tips
- Nottingham Forest uses digital ticketing - confirm your marketplace can deliver mobile tickets or transfer them to your account before purchasing
- Prices for top-six opponents and local derbies will be significantly above face value. Mid-table Premier League fixtures offer better secondary market value
- Book through platforms with full buyer guarantees - City Ground's small size means any issues are harder to resolve last-minute
Your Matchday at City Ground
Hotels near the ground, the best transport routes on matchday, pre-match pubs the locals go to, and how to book a stadium tour.
Where to Stay for Nottingham Forest Matches
City Ground is about a mile and a half from Nottingham city centre. Staying centrally means a 25-minute walk across Trent Bridge to the ground, or a short bus ride. All the hotels below are in the city centre - well placed for the match and for exploring Nottingham before and after.
Browse All Nearby Hotels
Interactive map showing available hotels near City Ground with live prices.
Notable Hotels
Unique to Nottingham
Lace Market Hotel
25-minute walk to City Ground, in the heart of the historic Lace Market
A converted 4-star Georgian townhouse in Nottingham's Victorian Lace Market district, the former centre of the world's lace trade - the building's history is woven into the neighbourhood's story.
Vibe: Boutique / Historic | Rating: 8.1 | Matchday: Right in the Lace Market area, with bars and restaurants on the doorstep. The walk to City Ground takes around 25 minutes through the city centre and across Trent Bridge.
View Hotel →Hart's Hotel
25-minute walk to City Ground, adjacent to Nottingham Castle
A 32-room boutique hotel built into the walls of Nottingham's Park district, steps from the castle and consistently rated the highest-reviewed independent hotel in the city.
Vibe: Boutique / Luxury | Rating: 8.6 | Matchday: The Park district is quiet and well-located. Walk down through the city centre to Trent Bridge and across to the ground. The hotel's restaurant is well regarded for post-match dining.
View Hotel →Mid-Range and Luxury Ladder
Roomzzz Nottingham City
25-minute walk to City Ground, central Nottingham
A modern 4-star aparthotel with kitchenette-equipped studios and suites, free breakfast included, and consistently high guest ratings - good value for longer stays or groups.
Vibe: Mid-range | Rating: 8.7 | Matchday: Centrally located with easy access to both the stadium walk and the city's pubs and restaurants. The kitchenette suits fans who want flexibility on matchday.
View Hotel →Park Plaza Nottingham
25-minute walk to City Ground, city centre
A 4-star city-centre hotel with a Chino Latino pan-Asian restaurant, a bar and a gym - the most polished full-service option in central Nottingham.
Vibe: Luxury | Rating: 8.6 | Matchday: A reliable, well-run hotel within walking distance of the main pre-match areas and the route down to Trent Bridge. Book early for high-demand fixtures.
View Hotel →Nottingham Hotel Strategy
- Staying in the city centre puts you 25 minutes by foot from City Ground - a manageable walk, particularly for the pre-match build-up along the River Trent
- Book well in advance for top-six Premier League fixtures and any local derbies. Nottingham's hotel stock is limited relative to demand on big matchdays
- The Lace Market and city centre are within easy reach of Nottingham station, making them ideal for visitors arriving by train from London or elsewhere
Getting to City Ground
City Ground sits on the south bank of the River Trent, just over a mile from Nottingham city centre. The most straightforward route from the city centre or train station is to walk. There is no tram or metro directly serving the stadium. Driving is not recommended on matchdays.
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Walking
Recommended• From Nottingham station
Approximately 25-minute walk | | Exit the station and head south towards Trent Bridge. Use Trent Bridge cricket ground as your landmark - City Ground is immediately to the east. The route is flat and straightforward.
• From city centre (Market Square area)
Approximately 25-30 minute walk | | Head south down any of the main roads towards the River Trent. Cross at Trent Bridge and the stadium is on your left. On matchdays, follow the crowds.
Journey time: 25-30 minutes from the station or city centre
Frequency: N/A
Cost: Free
Tips:
- The Trent Bridge crossing is a useful landmark - City Ground is visible from the bridge on matchdays
- After the final whistle, the walk back is a natural dispersal route. It can feel slow immediately after the match, but clears within 15-20 minutes
Train
National Rail to NottinghamEast Midlands Railway
• Nottingham station
25-minute walk to City Ground | East Midlands Railway (London St Pancras), CrossCountry, Northern | Nottingham station is the main rail hub. From London St Pancras, the journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours with East Midlands Railway. Direct services run frequently throughout the day.
Journey time: London St Pancras to Nottingham: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. East Midlands cities (Leicester, Derby, Sheffield) are 30-45 minutes.
Frequency: Multiple services daily from London and other major cities.
Cost: Varies by route and booking time. Advance fares on East Midlands Railway offer the best prices from London.
Tips:
- Book East Midlands Railway tickets in advance from London for significant savings
- Nottingham station is on the same side of the river as the city centre. You cross Trent Bridge during the walk to the ground
Pre-Match Pubs & Atmosphere
The main matchday pub area is in and around West Bridgford, the suburb where City Ground sits. Most pubs immediately around the ground are home fans only. The options below are the best-established matchday venues for Forest supporters.
Trent Navigation Inn (The Big Shed)
10-minute walk from City Ground
Atmosphere: Loud, outdoor festival-style, all ages
The Big Shed outdoor event space at the Trent Navigation is the largest pre-match gathering point for Forest fans. Three outdoor bars, two large screens showing live football (including the biggest outdoor TV screen in the Midlands according to the venue), plus a BBQ food court. On busy matchdays, it functions more like a fan zone than a traditional pub. The indoor pub itself is a classic riverside tavern.
Entry notes: Open to all fans. Check the venue's events calendar as opening times vary by fixture. Generally open from midday on matchdays.
Larwood & Voce
5-minute walk from City Ground
Atmosphere: Gastropub, pre-match DJ, mixed age group
Named after Nottinghamshire cricket legends Harold Larwood and Bill Voce, this gastropub sits in the corner of Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. On matchdays, a DJ plays Forest songs in the build-up to kickoff - more organised atmosphere than the Big Shed. Food served on matchdays, with a garden area. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Entry notes: Open to all. Gets busy in the hours before kickoff. Book a table in advance for big matchdays if you want to eat.
The Boot Room
2-minute walk from City Ground, on Pavilion Road
Atmosphere: Sports bar, Forest-themed, all screens
A Forest-themed sports bar opened in 2021, immediately next to City Ground. Twelve large HD screens showing live sport, 14 draught beers, and a full food menu. Popular with home fans on matchdays - arrive early for a seat at big fixtures. Known for having some of the best views of pre-match build-up in the area.
Entry notes: Open to all fans. Open from midday seven days a week. Gets very busy on matchdays - the venue recommends booking.
Trent Bridge Inn
2-minute walk from City Ground
Atmosphere: Traditional Wetherspoons, value-focused
A Wetherspoons pub directly next to City Ground, offering value food and drink in a convenient matchday location. Gets packed in the two hours before kickoff. The closest pub to the turnstiles alongside The Boot Room.
Entry notes: Home fans only on matchdays. Away fans are not admitted. All fans welcome on non-matchdays.
Pre-Match Strategy
- Arrive at the Big Shed at least 90 minutes before kickoff for any big fixture. The outdoor area fills quickly, especially when there is live football on beforehand
- The Larwood and Voce has a DJ playing Forest songs before matches - a more organised pre-match atmosphere than the Big Shed. Book a table in advance for big matchdays if you want to eat
- The Boot Room is the closest sports bar to the turnstiles and worth booking in advance for any sold-out fixture
- The Trent Bridge Inn is home fans only - avoid if wearing away colours
- Nottingham city centre has a wider range of pubs and restaurants if you arrive early. The 25-minute walk to the ground along the river is a natural route from the city centre pub strip
Matchday Traditions & Atmosphere
What to expect on matchday at City Ground.
Pre-Match Build-Up
City Ground sits on the banks of the River Trent in West Bridgford, just over a mile from Nottingham city centre. The walk from Nottingham station takes around 25 minutes, crossing Trent Bridge - a route that fills with Forest shirts as you get closer to the ground. Pubs along the route fill from two hours before kickoff. The official Fan Zone behind the Brian Clough Stand (entry on Scarrington Road) opened in December 2023 and holds around 1,000 supporters, with live music, a stage, and a big screen - a ticketed paid entry option for an organised pre-match atmosphere inside the ground perimeter.
Inside City Ground
The PA plays 'Mull of Kintyre' by Wings immediately before every home kickoff - the fans sing along, and the stand delivery before the first whistle is the distinctive sound of a City Ground matchday. The tradition dates to 2008 when Forest secured promotion, and the song has been the pre-kickoff anthem ever since. The Trent End is the home end and the most vocal section. Forza Garibaldi, a supporter-led group active since 2016, coordinates tifos and pre-match displays in the Trent End - often featuring Brian Clough or club-specific messages. Chants include 'Forest are Magic' (We all agree Nottingham Forest are magic) and songs referencing the two European Cups. Safe standing was introduced for the 2024-25 season in the Bridgford Stand (Upper Bridgford Blocks U1-U2 and Lower Bridgford Block Z). Away fans are in the Peter Taylor Stand, named after Clough's assistant.
Post-Match
After the match, most fans head back towards the city centre along Trent Bridge or stop at the riverside pubs. The walk back into Nottingham is a natural dispersal route. City centre bars and restaurants in the Lace Market and around Market Square are a 25-minute walk away. Nottingham station is on the same route for visitors heading home by train.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive at the Trent Navigation at least 90 minutes before kickoff. The Big Shed outdoor area fills up fast and is the best pre-match atmosphere near the ground
- Listen for 'Mull of Kintyre' over the PA just before kickoff - it is the signal the match is about to start and the whole ground sings along
- The walk from Nottingham station across Trent Bridge is pleasant and takes around 25 minutes - follow the crowds and use Trent Bridge cricket ground as your landmark
- City Ground is genuinely compact for a Premier League stadium. The stands are close to the pitch, so most seats offer good views
City Ground Stadium Tour & Museum
Behind-the-scenes access to the home of the only team to have won the European Cup more times than the domestic league title. The tour covers two decades of history from Brian Clough's office to the trophy room where the European Cups are displayed.
Duration
Approximately 90 minutes, plus time in the museum
Schedule
Daily tours with multiple time slots. No tours on matchdays. Book online in advance as popular slots fill during school holidays and weekends.
What you'll see
Premium Experiences
Museum Hospitality
A hospitality experience hosted in the Nottingham Forest Museum, incorporating the stadium tour with premium dining in the museum space surrounded by club history and the European Cup trophies.
Official Tour
Book direct through the club for the full experience and member discounts. Book well in advance — sells out fast in peak season.
Book Stadium Tour →Local Expert Stadium Tours
Tour the stadium with a local expert guide — small groups, flexible times, and often available when the official tour sells out.
Find expert stadium tours →Nottingham Experiences for Football Fans
Unique Nottingham Experiences
You're already making the trip — make the most of every hour around the match.