Newcastle United owners PIF are about to see the power of St James’ Park.
On Sunday, Newcastle United host Everton in what is effectively looking like a play-off for the Champions League. Those representing PIF should take note about what’s to come.
The final day of the Premier League season will see Eddie Howe’s side welcome the Toffees to St James’ Park. Newcastle have been excellent at home this season, leaning on the atmosphere the supporters create to record 12 home victories in the Premier League alone.
Only Liverpool and Manchester City boast a better home record. If Newcastle reach the Champions League again, it will largely be because the power of St James’.
PIF want to build a new stadium for Newcastle but afternoons like Sunday serve as a brilliant reminder of what they’ve got in their hands right now.
- Everything we know about the new Newcastle United stadium: Capacity, Location, Completion date & Cost
PIF set for eye-opener amid £1.2bn new Newcastle stadium debate
Newcastle’s new stadium could cost up to £1.2bn, so it is not a decision that will be taken lightly.
While the move to a new ground hasn’t been confirmed, Newcastle are expected to announce their plans for a potential new stadium at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Moving ground makes sense on a financial basis. It could grow commercial opportunities, while an increased capacity would increase gate receipts.
| Teams | Number of home wins |
| Liverpool | 14 |
| Manchester City | 13 |
| Newcastle | 12 |
| Chelsea | 12 |
| Aston Villa | 11 |
| Arsenal | 11 |
Still, there’s a risk involved. St James’ has 133 years of history behind it and is unique amongst English football grounds, with the atmosphere it can create surely the envy of a lot of other clubs around the country.
Everton should be walking into a bearpit. At its best, St James’ can be a hostile environment for away teams and the benefits the atmosphere brings to the home team are palpable.
Creating that kind of connection with a new ground takes years. There’s no guarantee it would ever happen to quite the extent that Newcastle boast now. Big games like the Everton clash – and many before – just won’t have the same feel.
Rafa Benitez’s prediction for Newcastle United’s new stadium
A former Newcastle United manager in Rafa Benitez was asked about his thoughts on a potential new stadium on Tyneside.
Benitez thinks Newcastle fans would get used to a new stadium, although admitted it would be “difficult” to leave St James’.
Fans would adapt of course, but St James’ is such a force to be reckoned with that there’s absolutely no guarantee life at a new home would ever be as good, at least without generations passing through the doors.
The Newcastle United owners will no doubt be reminded of that on Sunday.
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