Nottingham has been announced today as England’s official Home of Sport, following a national campaign by tourism board VisitEngland, in a bid to find England’s top sporting destination.
Having received more nominations than any other English destination, Nottingham was the ‘People’s Choice’ going into the public vote, and then went on to be a clear winner with 38% of the overall vote.
Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club stalwart Paul Franks, whose professional career in the city started in 1996, has highlighted the part played by Trent Bridge in making Nottingham a special sporting city.
“Cricket is right at the top of what the city does in terms of sport. The Ashes Test here in 2015 was fantastic, the one-day international was brilliant too, and we’ve had some wonderful domestic cricket.
“We create a product that’s memorable for the public to come and watch, whether that be domestic or international cricket, and the responsibility lies with us as a Club to make sure that continues to happen.
“When you look at the quality in depth of the sports clubs we have in the city, it comes as no surprise,” the 36-year-old commented on the Home of Sport victory.
“It’s quite a close sporting community, we share a lot of common goals and everyone wants to see each other succeed.
“We’re not that big a city so to have achieved this is something special, and it’s important we don’t take for granted that it will continue.
“I’m sure the other sporting clubs are looking to keep moving forward year-on-year as we do, so it’s an exciting time and it’s a credit to Nottingham for what it has achieved.”
James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive, said: “Live sporting events are great drivers for tourism, worth £3.2 billion to the sector.
“With this accolade, Nottingham has been put firmly on the tourist trail as a must-visit destination for any sports fan.
“As the site of our glorious Ashes win this summer, the setting for the recently released and critically acclaimed I Believe in Miracles film and the home to the National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham offers visitors plenty to see and do.”
Jennifer Spencer, Chief Executive of Experience Nottinghamshire, said: “This is a fantastic coup for Nottingham, and a wonderful reflection of the diverse sporting offer we have here – from legendary sporting heroes such as Brian Clough and Torvil & Dean, to world class sporting facilities such as Trent Bridge and top spectator and participant events all year round.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming even more sports lovers to Nottingham as a result of this achievement.”
Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Nottingham City Council, said: “Our city offers world-class sporting facilities and events for both local people and for visitors to the area. I’m particularly pleased that we were the ‘people’s choice’ as it shows how proud the people of Nottingham are of their city’s sporting achievements."
The 2015 season has seen dramatic last-gasp four day victories, thrilling limited-overs contests and an historic Investec Ashes Test, all in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge.
Next season, we’d wager, will be no less enthralling and frankly we’d hate for you to miss out.