New stadium will be Nottingham's biggest challenge
THE biggest challenge Nottingham may face in mounting a successful bid to be a host city in the 2018 World Cup is delivering the stadium.
However, it is a challenge faced by all the other cities seeking to stage World Cup matches in the UK.
Only eight of the 21 stadiums put forward from 15 cities can accommodate 40,000 fans, plus the seats for VIPs and media.
Furthermore, it is estimated that only one stadium – Wembley – currently has the additional facilities required.
Even Old Trafford may struggle to provide the media centre, broadcast compound, and volunteering centre FIFA says it wants.
Nottingham will have to construct a new stadium to meet the necessary capacity and other requirements.
As reported in the Post last September, a master plan has been produced for a new sports quarter at Holme Pierrepont, which would include a new 50,000-seat ground for Nottingham Forest and as well as 10,000-seat stadium alongside.
Discussions between Nottingham Forest, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council have continued.
Although the aspiration to create a stadium with associated sport and leisure facilities, including a five-star hotel remains the same, the site has not been fixed.
Land at Gamston is also under consideration.
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by King Biffo, Nottingham
Monday, July 06 2009, 4:00PM
“Mr Sensible, as always, very sensible.
To me, having a new stadium is a bit like me wanting a Canon 5d Mk II. Very expensive and nice, but ultimately totally unnecessary when what I've got serves me just fine.
The money that the County Council would no doubt have to contribute to the project would be best spent on making sure the tram goes ahead - something that benefits everybody.”
by Mr. Sensible, The Real World
Monday, July 06 2009, 12:22PM
“I agree we need a Tram but we simply don't need the new stadium. Forest already have a rather good ground; it's called the City Ground. Do we really want a new ground for 'Nottingham's biggest club' a mile further out of Town? If you seriously do, fine, but don't drag us (County) in to sharing it with you; we want at least some good Football in the City...
And, wayno, you talk about comparisons with the rest of the country, but have you seen the new Wembly? All that time, all that extra money probably paid for by London taxpayers, and yet the transport network is a mess and relies on the Tube only, the pitch has had to be completely rebuilt, and when the tube drivers decide to strike because they aren't getting paid enough when they should just be glad they have got jobs, the area is a mess. After the recent England game, John Terry spoke to the BBC's Mike Ingham and the first thing he did was thank the fans. I think Wembly is a complete rip-off! At Least the City Ground and Medow Lane have decent pitches...
I think it would be good for us to get some matches, but we simply don't need a new stadium; why don't you refurbish the City Ground?”
by wayno, eastwood
Monday, July 06 2009, 11:48AM
“get it built!! get some concrete poured on that scruffy nature reserve and lets have a proper future for a great club.
yeah the city ground is great but its looking a right mess lately.
lets have a big new shiny stadium with great facilities ,why not?
when the footys not on we we could fill it with all these crap bands that keep cropping up .
lets sort "coun'T" cutts out and get the tracks laid for the tram build the new stadium and drop a tram line in to that too while were at it.
has anyone been to any other cities lately?
there making our look sh1t with all their new shiny stuff , come on people of notts show some ambition, create some jobs and lets get moving!!!!!
this is what lifes about , not sitting on the sofa watching some brain dead big brother type rubbish.”
by Ben, Mansfield Red
Sunday, July 05 2009, 10:10AM
“I will not be supporting Nottingham's bid to host a tiny amount of World Cup games if it means Forest have to leave the City Ground and use a plastic bowl. It will be an utterly pointless endevour if the plans do come to fruition.
And Nigel, a County fan joking, falsely, about a club unable to fill a ground? Don't make me laugh.”
by Nigel, Fleecey On Sea
Saturday, July 04 2009, 8:15PM
“Gunthorpe Pie. I totally agree. Flatten the city ground, re develop meadow Lane BUT letting Florest share the footballing Mecca that is Pride Park is unthinkable. Let them play at the old Ramarena on Raynesway... it's more their style.And they might just be able to fill it.”