A general view of Newcastle United supporters waiting outside the stadium for news of the latest developments in the sale of the club to the Saudi sovereign wealth fund for 300 million-pound ($408 million) takeover in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England Thursday Oct. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Newcastle United are hoping to discover ways to expand St James’ Park’s 52,000 capacity.
Next month, Newcastle United is scheduled to get the preliminary results of their feasibility study on St James’ Park.
The Grade II listed building behind the East Stand currently restricts the stadium’s capacity to 52,000 seats. Last year, the Magpies called on some of the greatest researchers in the world to undertake a study to find ways to enhance the stadium’s capacity.
Important football club members have expressed their desire to stay at St. James’ Park, and they will find out more in April about what they can and cannot do with the facility.
When United CEO Darren Eales first met with the newly established Fan Advisory Board in late February, one of the questions he was asked was, “Is there a date to return feasibility report results?”
The meeting’s complete minutes include the following statement: “The club anticipates it will receive an initial report in April 2024.”
When inquired if a capacity of 60,000 was the goal, Eales responded, “The feasibility study will help us to answer key questions, including what an ideal capacity might be.”
In a recent statement, Eales stated that he is completely in favor of expanding St. James’ Park, but he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of building a new stadium in its place.
“The location of St. James’ Park is fantastic,” Eales remarked in January. “We have all discussed that in public. It contributes to Newcastle United’s uniqueness. That hilltop cathedral is who we are. We are investigating the viability of a stadium in order to determine what is feasible.
Sincerely, we would like to be able to continue in this site, increase revenue, increase capacity, and provide what we would love to, which is the opportunity for more people to watch Newcastle United.
“We are conducting the feasibility study for that reason. It’s not to question the procedure. After obtaining it, we will be able to confer with supporters and say, “Okay, these are the options we have; is this something we are all joined together and makes sense?” Our goal is to remain at St. James’ Park, if that is still feasible.
“We have asked the experts if it is possible for us to drive revenues, increase capacity, and be cognizant of these needs.”
