Latest Nottingham Forest news as work continues on’multi-million pound summer-long refurbishment programme’ at City Ground.
Nottingham Forest have had a busy summer both on and off the pitch, and it is far from over.
The Reds will hope that their 11 signings during the summer window will help them move up the Premier League standings. Meanwhile, they are working to repair their City Ground house.
Fans will have noticed a few alterations to the stadium after Nuno Espirito Santo’s team hosted Bournemouth in the season opener. And by the time Fulham visits on September 28, the ground will have changed again. Below, we look at what has been accomplished thus far and what remains to be done.
Corner boxes.
During the international break, Forest worked extensively on their corner box project. Fans have spotted the first containers being placed.
The plans were first proposed last year, drawing inspiration from Stadium 974, which was made from disused shipping containers and will host the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The boxes, located between the Trent End and Brian Clough stands, are said to be made of “up-cycled sustainable containers” and will accommodate 180 additional hospitality guests. The club initially stated that the boxes would open in the autumn.
Big screens
The foundation for the containers had already been laid previous to this week. As part of the process, the large screen that had previously occupied that corner of the ground was removed to make room for the boxes.
There is a new screen inside the Trent End. It is one of two “brand-new high-definition screens” installed over the summer to “improve the overall fan experience” by the club, along with a “new super widescreen” in the Bridgford End.
Safe Standing
One of the most significant changes made to the stadium during the off-season was the addition of safe standing. Forest claims it was one of the “biggest investments” in its “multi-million pound summer-long redevelopment programme” to “upgrade” the ground.
A total of 4,196 safe standing spaces were built in the Upper Bridgford Stand, Blocks U1 and U2, and Lower Bridgford Stand Block Z. There is also a protected standing area for away fans in Lower Bridgford Stand Block W. The club stated that the implementation of safe standing “represents a significant step forward in enhancing the matchday experience for fans whilst ensuring safety remains paramount.”
In addition, before the campaign began, additional seats were installed in the Peter Taylor Stand, as well as the bottom tier and corners of the Brian Clough Stand. It meant that the entire capacity of the ground has already been increased even before the addition of the corner boxes, as Forest prepares to meet “an incredible demand for tickets”.
Hospitality upgrades
Millions of pounds were spent during the summer to improve the City Ground’s hospitality amenities. The club’s old hospitality spaces have been completely renovated, and there are now three new areas: Garibaldi Lounge, McGoverns, and Forest Museum.
McGovern’s Lounge is located inside the Brian Clough Stand. The Garibaldi Lounge is located next to the team arrivals area, near the main entrance. The recently opened club museum in Trent End now includes a hospitality area.
Meanwhile, the 1865 Lounge has been renamed Founders 1865 following a complete restoration. The Legends Lounge has also been renamed The Trentside Lounge following its own renovation.
The improvements are part of the Reds’ plan to transform the City Ground into a venue capable of holding events all year. The Trentside Lounge can host 500 visitors for conventions and banquets.
Owner’s Box
Another alteration to the stadium will be the creation of a separate executive suite where owner Evangelos Marinakis can watch games. Once completed, it will take his existing seat in the directors’ box. Construction of the section in the Peter Taylor Stand is well underway.
