Newcastle United are considering building a new state-of-the-art stadium to replace the iconic St James’ Park.
PIF are closing in on a decision on the future of St James’ Park with two options on the table:
- Build a new state-of-the-art stadium nearby St James’ Park
- Renovate and expand St James’ Park
There has been a major push behind the scenes at Newcastle United to grow revenue, and increasing capacity one way or another is viewed as an essential step.
With an official decision expected from Newcastle United shortly, here is everything we know so far about the club’s stadium plans.
Where will Newcastle United’s new stadium be located?
One of the major concerns that fans may have around a new ground is where it will be located. St James’ Park is the beating heart of Newcastle and its location is just as iconic as the venue itself.
Initial designs suggested that Newcastle’s new stadium encroached upon St James’ Park and therefore the team would have to groundshare during the construction phase.
However, new plans have Newcastle’s new stadium located in Leazes Park, meaning Eddie Howe’s side could continue to play at St James’ Park until construction is complete.
That brings us nicely onto the next query….
When will Newcastle United’s stadium be completed?
An official decision from PIF and Newcastle is expected imminently after club chiefs held conversations over stadium plans in March.
If it is decided that Newcastle will build a new stadium – and PIF want a new stadium – then reports suggest it could take just five years to construct.
That is because PIF have launched ‘Project 2030’ at Newcastle, with four clear pillars to aim for within the next five years.
One of those pillars is to construct a new stadium, and the ambitious deadline for a completion date would lie in 2030.
How much will Newcastle United’s stadium cost?
Newcastle fans may be concerned about how much a new stadium is going to cost, and it certainly won’t be cheap.
The latest reports claim Newcastle’s new stadium will cost around £1.2bn, but there is good news about how it could be funded.
While other clubs such as Tottenham had to monitor their transfer spending after splashing the cash on a new stadium, that is only because it was funded through debt.
Infrastructure cost is not included in PSR calculations and therefore if PIF fund Newcastle’s stadium costs, then it will have zero impact on the club’s transfer budget.
Newcastle United new stadium capacity
Currently, St James’ Park holds a capacity of 52,000. But after over 250,000 Newcastle fans attended the trophy parade last month, it is clear that Newcastle could fill more seats.
Newcastle fans want a larger capacity and that is what PIF are willing to deliver in a new stadium.
The latest reports suggest Newcastle’s stadium will have a capacity of 68,000 despite initial reports that it could be over 70,000.
However, whether PIF change their mind and choose to go even bigger after the trophy parade is yet to be seen.
CEO Darren Eales is concerned about a bigger capacity, but the outstanding support for Howe’s side in the trophy parade suggests Newcastle could go even bigger and better.
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