‘There is no place like it in Midlands’
PUB SAYS OUTDOOR ZONE IS ‘NEW HOME OF FOOTBALL’
THE Big Shed, a new all-weather fan zone, has been unveiled at one of football fans’ favourite pubs, the Trent Navigation.
The pub, practically on the doorstep of the City Ground and Meadow Lane, has launched the outdoor undercover seating area just in time for the new season.
But it won’t just be used for showing sport. It has already hosted events including the annual Lambley Stock Festival and Tumble Audio’s summer party.
The fan zone, complete with an outdoor bar and a 15 square metre screen, will operate on match days and for big sporting events. Tickets for this winter’s World Cup in Qatar are already selling fast.
The idea developed from a fan zone launched last summer for the delayed Euro 2020 Championships, in which England made it to the final only to be defeated by Italy on penalties.
The outdoor zone proved popular with families and fans worried about Covid-19 who weren’t comfortable sitting inside. Two sides of the structure are open, making it perfect for summer, while heaters will keep punters warm in winter. Early fans had drinks there before Forest v Valencia on Saturday – and it proved a popular draw. Tom Holodynsky, operations manager at pub owners Great Northern Group, said: “There is really no place like it in the Midlands. A premier venue for the Premier League. The atmosphere was electric for our first football event here at The Big Shed. “We’d been telling people how big the screen was for weeks but the look on people’s faces when they turned the corner was priceless. Everyone was very impressed with
The look on people’s faces when they turned the corner was priceless
Tom Holodynsky, operations manager
the venue and facilities – it’s the new home of football.
“The new space will really help us enhance our matchday experience for the fans too – with the purposebuilt outdoor bar and covered area enabling us to service larger numbers when Forest are playing at the City Ground or Notts County are playing at Meadow Lane.
“We have so much more in the pipeline with live outdoor comedy, artisan craft markets and even openair fitness classes.”
Barbecues and live music are also promised later in the year.