Newcastle leaning toward leaving St James' Park for new stadium
Yesterday at 09:00 AM
Money talks and a move is definitely needed.
Newcastle United is seriously considering a significant decision that could reshape the club's future: leaving St James' Park to build a new stadium nearby that would become the new home of the Magpies.
Chief Operating Officer Brad Miller confirmed at a recent fan event that both options are being seriously explored, with a decision expected in early 2025, according to Chris Waugh of The Athletic.
"It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Miller said on Wednesday. "Do we invest and transform St James' as we see it today on the site where we are? Or do we take that bold move and think about moving? We want to make sure it is a very robust process."
The decision-making process has included an in-depth report evaluating the costs, feasibility, and potential benefits of both options.
While St James' Park's iconic location and atmosphere make it a cherished choice for local fans and management alike, a new stadium could offer significantly greater capacity and revenue potential and is the clear-cut, no-contest, undisputable best option for the club if the Magpies really want to become something in the world of soccer.
"There are a lot of risks and opportunities at St James'," Miller said. "We have to take time to dig into those and make sure we've got the devil in the detail — in terms of the programme, how long it will take, and what it will do for us in terms of revenue. A new stadium has the potential to earn more than twice as much in terms of revenue, both on matchdays and non-matchdays."
One alternative site if NUFC leaves SJP is nearby Leazes Park, though its protected status could pose challenges when it comes to building a new arena from the ground.
Regardless of the location, building a new stadium would require substantial investment. That said, with PIF leading the ship that should certainly be not a problem and a thing Newcastle—club and town—must take advantage of.
Miller emphasized the importance of balancing long-term competitiveness with the club's financial constraints under the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.
"We have to work hard to make sure we give as much money as possible to Paul [Mitchell] and the football side in order to remain competitive on the field," he said.
Fans will be consulted before any decision is finalized, with the club acknowledging the emotional and historical ties to St James' Park, but whoever votes to stay put in SJP should definitely reconsider their thoughts because this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create a football monster in Tyneside. Just saying.
