A local hero is returning to St James’ Park in 2025, with Sam Fender announcing two gigs at the home of Newcastle United.
Sam Fender headlined two nights at St James’ Park in 2023, and now the North Shields lad is returning in 2025.
Newcastle United’s stadium will host Fender for two nights, with his band set to perform on June 12th and June 14th. They will also play at the London Stadium on June 6th.
While Eddie Howe’s side will not be in action, St James’ Park will be a sea of black and white shirts. Meanwhile, you can guarantee Wor Flags will welcome Fender on stage, like they have done in the past.
St James’ Park future is up in the air
It is a great announcement for the North East, as St James’ Park prepares to put on two massive concerts for one of their own.
As part of Newcastle United’s announcement, there was also a hidden message that may impact the future of St James’ Park.
Right now, the club are pondering whether to expand St James’ Park and increase its capacity, or build a completely new stadium. A new stadium could double Newcastle’s revenue, but it is unclear where it would be located.
While Newcastle fans are warming up to the idea of leaving St James’ Park, it can only be for a stadium that is still in the heart of the city.
What Peter Silverstone said about Sam Fender announcement
And that is why what Newcastle’s chief commercial officer Peter Silverstone said about the Sam Fender announcement is very interesting.
“St James’ Park has become an iconic music venue in the North, as anyone who was here for Sam Fender’s performances in 2023 will testify,” he told Newcastle’s official website.
“Those shows were unforgettable, and they exemplify the type of premium events we want to continue attracting to the stadium alongside elite football.
“We are so excited for packed St James’ Park crowds to experience Sam’s new People Watching Tour and are delighted to be collaborating with Sam, and his band and management team, to bring such incredible events to the city of Newcastle.
“We are building on an impressive legacy of hosting world-class events, whether it’s huge music artists, Magic Weekend, World Cup rugby across both codes, and international football – including the next Euros in 2028.
“Our location in the heart of the city and connectivity to the transport network are key. All fans just love coming to Newcastle, and we can’t wait to welcome them back.”
Newcastle United must remain in the heart of the city
Silverstone has made it very clear that Newcastle United want to continue hosting major events, in the same way that other clubs do. It is no longer just about football these days.
Summer concerts at stadiums are a key part of the calendar year, while clubs are also hosting other sporting events. Tottenham Hotspur have had the NFL at their new stadium, while West Ham’s London Stadium has hosted Major League Baseball.
Newcastle United will want to go down the same path in the future, and will feel a new stadium can help them achieve their goal. That will bring more money into the club, which can be reinvested into Eddie Howe’s squad.
However, Silverstone was also keen to stress the importance of St James’ Park being in the ‘heart of the city’. That is what makes it so special, and it is something Newcastle United must not give up if they do decide to build a new stadium.
It feels like a new stadium is forthcoming for Newcastle United, but the success of it will hinge on its location.
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