In the first of a series of “guides to the grounds” we feature Trent Bridge with details of the layout of the ground and the best places to sit
To start with, here is an image of the ground, oriented properly to the compass, and with the stands labelled
Radcliffe Road Stand (officially the Trent Bridge Cricket Centre)
The Radcliffe road stand is a large, 3 tiered stand, with the commentary box in the centre. On our last visit to Trent Bridge we sat in the Radcliffe road stand and on our way to our seats encountered Sir Ian Botham and Michael Vaughan. The view from the upper parts of the stand is very similar to the view on TV (for half the overs at least). The stand also faces South so catches a lot of sun. The Upper 2 tiers are exposed to the elements without any cover, whilst the lower tier is mostly covered by the upper tiers, although the front rows are likely to catch any rain that falls. As you can see on the picture, if you’re seated at the Western side of the upper-most tier you are likely to get some shade later in the afternoon. The middle tier has an elevation of at least 10m and the upper tier an elevation of at least 14m. Along with the Hound Road stand the Radcliffe Road stand is typically where the highest priced tickets are located.
William Clarke Stand
The William Clarke stand is an alcohol free stand which can be thought of as the “family stand”. Discounted tickets for family groups, under 21s and juniors are often available only in this stand.
Parr Stand & West Wing Stand (Now replaced by the “New Stand”)
The most recent upgrade to Trent Bridge was recently completed, with the “New Stand” replacing the Parr and West Wing Stands. The image above still shows the old stands as the google-earth imagery predates the upgrade of the ground. The New stand has an upward curving roof which offers shelter to the rear 1⁄3 of the seats. The front 2⁄3 of the seats remain vulnerable to rain however. The stand faces North-East and with the arched roof is well shaded. Other than the family discounts in the William Clarke stand the New Stand (along with the Fox Road stand) typically have the cheapest tickets.
Members Pavillion
The Members Pavillion (along with the Larwood and Voce Stand) is only available to Nottinghamshire CCC members. Membership costs around £150 (around £100 for senior citizens).
Hound Road Stand
Along with the Radcliffe Road stand the Hound Road stand is typically where the highest priced tickets are located. It has 2 tiers, with the upper tier having an elevation of at least 6m.
Larwood & Voce Stand
The Larwood and Voce Stand (along with the Pavillion) is only available to Nottinghamshire CCC members. Membership costs around £150 (around £100 for senior citizens).
Fox Road Stand
Other than the family discounts in the William Clarke stand the Fox Road stand (along with the New Stand) typically have the cheapest tickets. The Fox Road stand is also the stand which usually hosts the Barmy Army, and the most raucous atmosphere.
Transport links
Public transport
Trent Bridge is a mere 1.0 mile from the main Rail station in Nottingham. You can either walk which takes about 20 minutes, take the bus (e.g. #11) which costs £1.70 for adults and £1 for children, or take a taxi for around £5.
Park and Ride
Nottingham is well served by the M1 from both North and South. Once in the city drivers can make use of the EventLink Park and Ride service provided by Nottingham and Derby local authorities. For previous Test matches this service has run from the Queen’s Drive Park & Ride site and costs £4 per car for up to 4 people. The service runs to outside Sandicliffe Ford on Loughborough Road which is within 100m of the ground. Nottinghamshire CCC provide up‑to-date information for specific events on their site. From the north take M1 junction 26 and then follow the A610, A6514 and A52 a total of 6.1 miles. From the south take M1 junction 24 and then follow the A453 and A52 for 9.1 miles.
Rations
Like most other sporting arenas you aren’t allowed to take bottles or cans into the ground, including soft drinks and water. Drinks are available in the ground, typically from around £3.50 — £4.00 per drink for alcoholic beverages. The good news is that you can take your own food into the ground.
Can’t wait for 2016