Your complete guide to sporting events in Nottingham 2026

Nottingham is set to host an exciting lineup of sports events in 2026, attracting athletes, fans, and visitors alike from across the globe. Whether you’re passionate about ice skating, hockey, football, or wheelchair basketball, the city’s world-class venues offer the perfect stage for unforgettable sporting moments.

From international competitions at the David Ross Sports Village to thrilling performances at the Motorpoint Arena, here’s your guide to the best sports events Nottingham has to offer in the year ahead.

January 2026: Handball and ice-skating

6–7 January | David Ross Sports Village – International Handball

The new year kicks off with two days of international handball, featuring top teams competing for victory at one of Nottingham’s premier sporting venues.

6–11 January | Motorpoint Arena – ISU Challenger Britannia Cup

Witness world-class synchronised skating at the ISU Challenger Britannia Cup, drawing teams from across the globe to compete in this prestigious event.

Accommodation tip: Stay close to the action at The Orchard Hotel or The Jubilee Hotel. Both offer modern rooms, easy city access, and excellent dining at Bramleys Restaurant and Spokes Cafe respectively. For those on a budget, Broadgate Park is a fantastic and affordable option offering private studio apartments in Beeston, only a short distance from the David Ross Sports Village and the Motorpoint Arena.   

February 2026: Dance and ice-skating

10–12 February | Motorpoint Arena – Strictly Come Dancing Live 2026

The nation’s favourite dance show takes to the stage for three nights of glitz, glamour, and spectacular performances.

19–21 February | Motorpoint Arena – Britannia Cup Ice Skating

The Britannia Cup returns with top UK and international skaters showcasing their skills in a high-energy, thrilling competition that draws enthusiasts from around the country.

March 2026: Hockey and table tennis

20–22 March | David Ross Sports Village – Table Tennis Championships

Players and fans gather for a fast-paced table tennis tournament at Nottingham’s premier sports facility, showcasing incredible skill and lightning-fast reflexes.

24–31 March | David Ross Sports Village – World Indoor Hockey Masters

This international event attracts thousands of players, teams, and spectators for a week-long celebration of indoor hockey. One of the most significant sporting events Nottingham hosts each year, the World Masters brings together competitors from across the globe.

Accommodation tip: The Orchard Hotel is just a 5-minute walk from DRSV, making it the ideal base for players and supporters. Broadgate Park makes another fantastic option for those in search of more affordable accommodation, only a short 12-minute walk from the David Ross Sports Village. 

April 2026: Wheelchair basketball 

1 April | David Ross Sports Village – European Zonal Qualifiers

An inclusive and competitive event showcasing elite wheelchair basketball talent from across Europe. This qualifier brings together the continent’s best athletes in a display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

May 2026: Touch rugby 

1–4 May | Highfields – England Touch Rugby

Athletes gather at Highfields for one of England’s premier touch rugby events, combining skill, speed, and strategy in an exciting four-day competition.

June 2026: Football, cricket, & ultimate frisbee

11 June | FIFA World Cup 2026 Begins

Three lions on the shirt! Football fever sweeps the country once again as fans follow the start of the global tournament hosted this year in the U.S. Nottingham is a fantastic base for supporters to catch the action on big screens across the city, soaking up the atmosphere with fellow fans.

25–29 June | Trent Bridge – England vs New Zealand Test Match

Cricket enthusiasts can enjoy an action-packed test match at the iconic Trent Bridge stadium, one of the most celebrated grounds in international cricket.

27 June–5 July | David Ross Sports Village – WFDF World Masters Ultimate Club Championships

Ultimate frisbee players from around the world compete in this large-scale championship, making DRSV the hub of excitement for this growing sport.

July 2026: Cricket, paddle sports, & British Grand Prix

4–5 July | Holme Pierrepont – Nottingham Super Cup

Head to the National Watersports Centre for this exciting paddle and sprint-racing event, set against the stunning backdrop of Holme Pierrepont.

6 July | British Grand Prix (F1)

While the race takes place at Silverstone, Nottingham is a fantastic base for F1 fans. Just over an hour from the circuit, you can catch the action on big screens in the city or make the trip to experience the atmosphere in person.

7 July | Trent Bridge – England vs India Test Match

Catch another thrilling cricket test match at Trent Bridge as England takes on India in a classic showdown between two of the sport’s greatest nations.

Stay close to the action

For all these sporting events in Nottingham, we offer two ideal hotels perfectly placed for fans, athletes, and families.

The Orchard Hotel 

• 5-minute walk to David Ross Sports Village
• Easy transport access to the Motorpoint Arena
• Modern, eco-friendly rooms
• Bramleys Restaurant for breakfast and dinner
• Complimentary parking, gym access, and £10 drinks voucher when booking direct

The Jubilee Hotel 

• Lakeside views on the University of Nottingham campus
• 12-minute drive to David Ross Sports Village
• Easy transport access to the Motorpoint Arena
• Spokes Cafe for coffee, snacks, and light meals
• Complimentary parking and excellent transport links

Broadgate Park 

• Private studio apartments with en-suite bathroom
• Kitchenette with fridge, microwave, kettle, and essentials
• Dedicated workspace and dining area
• Free WiFi
• 12-minute walk to David Ross Sports Village 
• Affordable prices starting at £90/night

Our accommodation in Nottingham provides comfortable, convenient accommodation for athletes, families, and fans attending Nottingham’s 2026 sports events. From the University of Nottingham (University Boulevard), you can hop on the tram and be dropped close to the Motorpoint Arena (Lace Market). Show a valid tram ticket or pass from Sunday to Thursday and enjoy 10% off your bill at Bramleys Restaurant inside The Orchard Hotel with our Destination Discount.

FAQs

Q: How far are the hotels from the Motorpoint Arena and DRSV?

A: The Orchard Hotel is a 5-minute walk to DRSV, while The Jubilee Hotel is a 12-minute drive. Both hotels are conveniently located for the Motorpoint Arena via tram from University Boulevard to Lace Market.

Q: Is parking available at the hotels?

A: Yes, complimentary parking is included at both hotels, with electric vehicle charging points available.

Q: Are the hotels suitable for families attending the events?

A: Absolutely. Both hotels offer family rooms, accessible rooms, and kid-friendly amenities.

Q: Can I book multiple rooms for a group of supporters or teams?

A: Yes, Nottingham Venues accommodates group bookings, ideal for sports teams and supporters travelling together.

Q: What dining options are available at the hotels?

A: Enjoy seasonal, locally sourced meals at Bramleys Restaurant (The Orchard) and light meals, snacks, and coffee at Spokes Cafe (The Jubilee). Explore our dining options.

Q: What else is there to do near the hotels during our stay?

A: Explore local culture, wildlife, and historic sites including Attenborough Nature Reserve, Wollaton Hall & Gardens, and Beeston Town Centre for street art and shopping. Discover things to do in Nottingham.

Q. Do you offer affordable accommodation in Nottingham? 

A: Yes, we offer a range of budget-friendly accommodation in Nottingham such our private studio apartments in Broadgate Park, only a short 12-minute walk from the David Ross Sports Village. Included in your stay is an en-suite bathroom, free WiFi, a kitchenette featuring a fridge, microwave, kettle, and kitchen essentials, and a workspace and dining area.