Trent Bridge
Cricket
Test
Nottingham
Score:
53.5
/ 60
Overview
Trent Bridge stands out from the crowd of international cricket venues for the friendliness of its staff and volunteers, as well as its community feel (many of the food vendors being local restaurateurs and catering business owners). It feels very much a part of Nottingham, reflective of its culture and people, as opposed to the many major stadiums which have the feel of identikit edifices parachuted into the cities they serve. With a capacity around 17,000, it is one of the smallest grounds in England to host test matches regularly. What it lacks in size, it makes up for with its abundance of charm (albeit not of the aesthetic variety, with its collection of odd-looking stands). Trent Bridge should be close to the top of your ‘To-Visit’ list of English Test grounds.
Score Summaries
Atmosphere & Experience
The return of Zimbabwe to England after an absence of over 20 years brought out a sizeable crowd of supporters of both sides. There was genuine vibrancy and enthusiasm throughout, particularly from the many people from Zimbabwe’s diaspora communities in the UK who appeared ecstatic to see their team back in action on English soil after such a long time. The Trent Bridge regulars are an affable bunch, and true lovers of cricket who are keen to swap stories and reminisce about the great matches of days past.
Score: 8.5
Seats
On both days I attended, I sat behind the bowler’s arm in the lower tier of the stand at the Radcliffe Road end. The seats provided an excellent view, which would have been all the better had the pavilion not been covered with scaffolding while it undergoes extensive renovation. There were no restrictions on my view of the field of play and I could take in the whole of the crowd. I highly recommend seats in this area.
Score: 9
Catering
This is an area where Trent Bridge truly excels. Many of its vendors represent local food businesses and they really deliver the goods. I highly recommend the ‘breakfast naanwich’ from Vegetarian Rasoi to start your day with some spicy, cheesy goodness. If, at lunchtime, you find yourself needing to clog your arteries further, then head over to Big Melt for one of their delicious cheese toasties. Improve your meal further by drenching your sandwich in Henderson’s Relish, one of northern England’s tastiest creations. Bars and concessions stalls are plentiful, queues are quick and well managed.
Score: 9
Facilities
All over the place and of a good standard.
Score: 9
Getting There
A pleasant, roughly 30-minute, walk along the canal from Nottingham Station will bring you to the ground. Highly recommended as a way to get your day started, particularly if you need to burn a few calories in advance ahead of the aforementioned naanwich. Alternatively, regular buses from the city centre will get you to Trent Bridge in a matter of minutes. Entry into the ground is simple. Your gate will be on your ticket and they are all well signposted.
Score: 9
Getting Away
Buses back can be a little crowded, but, if you’re able and the weather is agreeable, the walk back into the city centre is highly recommended.
Score: 9