THOUSANDS of students from Nottingham Trent University turned out to watch Forest defeat Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.
It was not until the second half that the game sparked into action, as local lad, Lewis McGugan lashed in a free-kick.
The game saw students from the university offered tickets to the game for just £2, an offer that was taken up by more than 3,500.
Match-winner, McGugan (21) was delighted with the turnout, and praised the university’s students.
He said: “The atmosphere at night matches is always special and it was great to have such a big crowd, swelled by Nottingham Trent University students.
“I hope they enjoyed the experience at The City Ground and will be back for more in the near future.”
The success of the initiative will see similar events take place in the future, including more bargain priced tickets.
Nottingham Forest’s Marketing Manager, Joe Sharphouse admitted that only good things could be taken from the experience.
He said: “We would definitely consider doing it again and we were pleased with the turnout at the game.
“Normally we get around 300 students on a match day, so having this incentive increase that significantly, we were extremely pleased about.
“Having done our research, we found that the best time for students to come and watch the game is on a Tuesday night.
“On Saturdays, chances are they will be involved in other things, probably even supporting their own club.”
Mr Sharphouse was quick to praise those who had been involved in marketing the initiative too.
Sports Science and Management students, Matt Lowen, Alex Milnes, Tom Macdonald and Peter Winterbottom played a key role in getting such a good turnout.
In reward, they received hospitality at the match, where they were able to watch the game from the warmth of a box.
Every match-day, Forest offer one of the best student deals for tickets in the Championship, at just £12 when a valid student card is shown. For more details, call the ticket line on 0871 226 1980.
To read more, pick up a printed edition of the magazine that is coming soon.
Tags: football, mcgugan, nottingham forest, nottingham trent university, students
