Premier League football club Nottingham Forest is reportedly considering using shipping containers to house new temporary seating areas at the City Ground in a move inspired by Qatar’s Stadium 974.
The Athletic has reported that shipping containers could be used to fill in corners at the Trent End of the stadium, which currently has a capacity of around 29,500. The move, which would not require planning permission, would provide temporary seating for around 500 additional fans.
The report adds that no decision has been finalised, with the plans still at an early stage. The idea is said to have been put forward by Tom Cartledge, a lifelong Forest supporter who was named chairman of the club back in August.
Forest has long-held plans to expand the City Ground, and in July last year the project, which will initially focus on rebuilding the Peter Taylor Stand, was given the green light by Rushcliffe Borough Council.
The project would bring the capacity of the stand up to 10,000, with Forest also planning on expanding the Bridgford Stand as part of a long-term goal to bring the City Ground’s capacity up to 38,000.
Forest had planned on starting the work this summer but The Athletic reported in March that this could be pushed back to 2024 due to complexities relating to the planning permission and other considerations.
Last season marked Forest’s return to the Premier League after a 23-year absence and the club has consistently played in front of sellout crowds. With the wider plans to expand the City Ground facing delays, Forest is seeking short-term solutions to satisfy demand for tickets.
The shipping container plan draws inspiration from Stadium 974, which was one of eight venues used to stage matches during last year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The innovative Stadium 974 was primarily built from shipping containers. The nature of its design meant it was the first fully demountable stadium in World Cup history, with its name referring to the number of shipping containers that were used in its development.
The stadium, which staged seven matches during the World Cup, had a capacity of 44,000 and is slated to be dismantled following last year’s tournament.
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