St James' Park

[JT24]

Ultimately, we should be on the move if nothing can be done with the East Stand.

 

The bonus is Leazes Terrace can be opened up more to the public.

[Chicken Dancer]

I always wanted to stay mainly because I found it quite fascinating that we had played on the same site for the entire history of the club, as well as all of my memories with friends and family - some who are no longer with me.

 

The past 2 years have made me realise that we have to move. It's as simple as that. The next generation of fans won't give two shites about St James' as their memories will be made in the new place. For those of us who have been going our entire lives it's not a nice thing to think about, but as others have said - the current stadium is completely different to the one my Dad grew up with. And his would have (likely) been different to the one me Grandad used to go to. Times change. We need to maximise every penny of revenue that we can, and it's clear as day that moving stadium is the only option.

 

In an ideal world we could extend St James' to 70-75k, I don't think there's anybody that wouldn't have that as their #1 option. But it's just not possible, so we have to move.

 

As for worrying about the atmosphere in a new stadium...well what about the atmosphere in the current one? Too many of us, including myself, look back at past days of going on like lunatics at the match win, lose or draw. Football has changed. My Dad used to (and still does) go on about home & aways in the 70s/80s and how it was much better than now (talking about when I first started going away from home in the 00s). Now I look back and think 'God, it was so much better in the 00s than now'.  As long as you get like-minded people together I'm confident there won't be too much of a detrimental effect on atmosphere. We might even be surprised. 

[The Butcher]

Just 70 years since we last won a domestic trophy.

 

SJP is cursed land and we've seen close to a lifetime of failure there.

 

I love the place, but I'm firmly in the move camp.

 

We need a fresh start.

[Stifler]

7 minutes ago, The Butcher said:

Just 70 years since we last won a domestic trophy.

 

SJP is cursed land and we've seen close to a lifetime of failure there.

 

I love the place, but I'm firmly in the move camp.

 

We need a fresh start.

Let’s change that next month.

[TheGuv]

I do wonder how many people want to move to a 65-70k stadium because they think it’ll increase their chance of getting in?

 

I’d like to see the increased chances as a % (because it will increase). But I really don’t think it will be as good as many think it will be.

 

I’ve already resigned myself that I’ll not be getting a season ticket if we stay or go. 

 

The atmosphere argument is also an interesting one - but that too has been done to death. But a newer stadium with increased attendance of day trippers and tourists in their thousands, along with the current ageing demographic of 30,000 ST holders won’t do much to change the atmosphere - even if you do make a Dortmund-esque wall.

 

If PSR wasn’t such a cluster fuck of an idea (that may well not be here forever) I also wonder if there’d be such a push to move.

 

 

Edited 5 hours ago by TheGuv

[SteV]

3 minutes ago, TheGuv said:

 

I do wonder how many people want to move to a 65-70k stadium because they think it’ll increase their chance of getting in?

 

Loads probably, but that’s fair enough IMO.

[Chicken Dancer]

4 minutes ago, TheGuv said:

do wonder how many people want to move to a 65-70k stadium because they think it’ll increase their chance of getting in?

 

Probably quite a few, but they'll definitely be disappointed if they think it will. When the Anfield Rd end was completed by about 10,000 extra seats, I'm sure Liverpool made 10% available for new Season Tickets.

 

Stating the obvious here but one off tickets make the club a lot more money than season ticket holders. That won't change and the club will be looking at 18k extra as more ££. A parent taking their child, whether local or not, is going to likely spend so much more in the ground than a ST holder who MIGHT get a single pie or a pint. There surely can't be many fans who sup even 3/4 in the ground. If I'm feeling frisky and I'm in early enough I'll get 1 pre-match and 1 at HT, but more often than not I get neither. The new stadium will have much better facilities and I reckon they'll do some drinks/food offers post-match like Spurs do to encourage people to maybe stay and watch some of the later game with a few drinks, but given our individual/group routines, and the proximity of the stadium to the city it will never be like Spurs up here.

 

They should definitely bring in a waiting list though. I think given the Trust shat their pants and did nothing for those who cancelled in protest (uploaded points etc, including me) they should try fly the flag for them if they can. I doubt it, but it would be nice for those who haven't been fortunate like myself to get sorted since. The Trust said they didn't approach the club as only about 30 people did it (bollocks btw), so surely 30 wouldn't hurt anybody.

[Groundhog63]

13 minutes ago, TheGuv said:

I do wonder how many people want to move to a 65-70k stadium because they think it’ll increase their chance of getting in?

 

I do wonder how many people who don't want to move to a 65-70k stadium because they're season ticket holders, are very happy where they are thank you very much and don't give a fuck about anyone else?

[TheGuv]

2 minutes ago, Groundhog63 said:

 

I do wonder how many people who don't want to move to a 65-70k stadium because they're season ticket holders, are very happy where they are thank you very much and don't give a fuck about anyone else?

Way to take it out of context as usual.

 

[Chicken Dancer]

1 minute ago, Groundhog63 said:

 

I do wonder how many people who don't want to move to a 65-70k stadium because they're season ticket holders, are very happy where they are thank you very much and don't give a fuck about anyone else?

 

 This is pretty much it. The only people I don't sympathise with on the subject of moving are those who are just utterly selfish bastards. I genuinely see why people would want to stay and why they would want to move, but those who want to stay purely because they know they are sorted can come across as right pricks. I've a season ticket and I'd be glad to move in order for the club to take the next step. The pros far outweigh the cons for me.

 

There's also a pretty staunch group of our fans who see members are proper peasants or something. It's lifting at times.

[Groundhog63]

1 minute ago, TheGuv said:

Way to take it out of context as usual.

 

I wasn't really. Just reversed the question. I get the emotional aspect to staying a St. James' even though it's the football ground version of Trigger's broom but there are some (ST holders) who are very happy with their lot and don't want to move because of that. Wasn't a dig at you, tbf.

[The Prophet]

 

[TheGuv]

Just now, Groundhog63 said:

I wasn't really. Just reversed the question. I get the emotional aspect to staying a St. James' even though it's the football ground version of Trigger's broom but there are some (ST holders) who are very happy with their lot and don't want to move because of that. Wasn't a dig at you, tbf.

Apologies I think I took your message out of context then.

 

I’m just very wary of what a new build will bring - and I just don’t think it’ll be the magic potion some think it will be. But I totally understand the pull to a brand spanking new stadium. 
 

I’m very intrigued by the new Everton stadium in that they can increase capacity if safe standing legislation were to change. 
 

In theory, if we did extend the Gallowgate footprint to make the stadium 60,000, but that with future legislation meant an extra 10,000-15,000 safe standing in Gallowgate/Leazes would increase the capacity to 70-75k would people not be okay with that? I certainly would love it, but I also understand the commercial restrictions in doing so. 
 

But if the above did happen, then a fully rebuilt East Stand could be a new Commercial stand with the best boxes and view with a small lower block of safe standing along the pitch?

 

I can but dream.

[JT24]

6 minutes ago, The Prophet said:

 

Of course, why wouldn’t they want to make a final decision when they’re all together?

 

Kick that can a little further down the road folks. 

[Dr Venkman]

5 minutes ago, TheGuv said:

Apologies I think I took your message out of context then.

 

I’m just very wary of what a new build will bring - and I just don’t think it’ll be the magic potion some think it will be. But I totally understand the pull to a brand spanking new stadium. 
 

I’m very intrigued by the new Everton stadium in that they can increase capacity if safe standing legislation were to change. 
 

In theory, if we did extend the Gallowgate footprint to make the stadium 60,000, but that with future legislation meant an extra 10,000-15,000 safe standing in Gallowgate/Leazes would increase the capacity to 70-75k would people not be okay with that? I certainly would love it, but I also understand the commercial restrictions in doing so. 
 

But if the above did happen, then a fully rebuilt East Stand could be a new Commercial stand with the best boxes and view with a small lower block of safe standing along the pitch?

 

I can but dream.

Totally respect your views and others who want to stay but I haven’t seen much magic potion talk TBH.

[TheGuv]

1 minute ago, Dr Venkman said:

Totally respect your views and others who want to stay but I haven’t seen much magic potion talk TBH.

E.g Atmosphere will be better, more revenue will mean we’re better on the pitch (see Spurs), increase likelihood of getting into the ground etc.

 

But understand I’m probably in the minority 

[Groundhog63]

27 minutes ago, TheGuv said:

The atmosphere argument is also an interesting one - but that too has been done to death. But a newer stadium with increased attendance of day trippers and tourists in their thousands, along with the current ageing demographic of 30,000 ST holders won’t do much to change the atmosphere - even if you do make a Dortmund-esque wall.

 

While I'm stalking you out of context   The whole atmosphere debate rests on wether you think a less vocal support is down to "tourists" or the 30k+ Season Ticket holders? Notwithstanding the Business class ;-)   

For me, and I had a season ticket for years but have been going to matches for over 45 years, it's the regulars. No question

"Day trippers/tourists" aren't going to add much but a great number of singular attendees will be hard core NUFC fans currently locked out. A Dortmund style wall would absolutely enhance the atmosphere UNLESS, for eg, you filled it with people from the East Stand. As ever it all depends on the design and the will of the club to assist those wanting to give it their all to be together. That and be great on the pitch, every week, every minute.

[Groundhog63]

11 minutes ago, TheGuv said:

Apologies I think I took your message out of context then.

 

I’m just very wary of what a new build will bring - and I just don’t think it’ll be the magic potion some think it will be. But I totally understand the pull to a brand spanking new stadium. 
 

I’m very intrigued by the new Everton stadium in that they can increase capacity if safe standing legislation were to change. 
 

In theory, if we did extend the Gallowgate footprint to make the stadium 60,000, but that with future legislation meant an extra 10,000-15,000 safe standing in Gallowgate/Leazes would increase the capacity to 70-75k would people not be okay with that? I certainly would love it, but I also understand the commercial restrictions in doing so. 
 

But if the above did happen, then a fully rebuilt East Stand could be a new Commercial stand with the best boxes and view with a small lower block of safe standing along the pitch?

 

I can but dream.

no need to apologize fella. 

[cubaricho]

7 hours ago, TwoForJoy said:

I'll miss not calling it St James' Park more than I'll miss St James' Park.

We can just do what we do here in Denver. Our football stadium has been called Mile High forever but the last few naming rights situations have been “__________ Field at Mile High” so we could easily do something like “The Aramco at St James’ Park” as the official name. The Mile High part even gets said in broadcasts here so it’s not just token. 

[Joelinton7]

I think it’s def a new stadium judging by all of the noises coming out of the Newcastle press pack over the last 6-12 months. 

 

 

Edited 4 hours ago by Joelinton7

[Keegans Export]

12 minutes ago, Joelinton7 said:

I think it’s def a new stadium judging by all of the noises coming out of the Newcastle press pack over the last 6-12 months. 

I've thought the same but all that really suggests is that the people running the club day-to-day want a new stadium. 

 

Ultimately the PIF will say yes or no and I'm not sure any of the local or even national press will have any inside info on what they are thinking.

[Charlies]

We’re building a new stadium to rival anything  likewise in the world 

[TheGuv]

47 minutes ago, Groundhog63 said:

 

While I'm stalking you out of context   The whole atmosphere debate rests on wether you think a less vocal support is down to "tourists" or the 30k+ Season Ticket holders? Notwithstanding the Business class ;-)   

For me, and I had a season ticket for years but have been going to matches for over 45 years, it's the regulars. No question

"Day trippers/tourists" aren't going to add much but a great number of singular attendees will be hard core NUFC fans currently locked out. A Dortmund style wall would absolutely enhance the atmosphere UNLESS, for eg, you filled it with people from the East Stand. As ever it all depends on the design and the will of the club to assist those wanting to give it their all to be together. That and be great on the pitch, every week, every minute.

Totally agree with your view on current vocal support predominately being ST holders.

 

But having attended various fan workshops, I really do worry about those at a decision making level.

 

I banged and banged the drum of you have to get like minded fans together and by using the Strawberry Corner as your vocal/standing section you’ll see very few wilfully give up their seats as they want to be part of “something” without necessarily contributing. From what I’ve read this season, it seems there are many in the Corner who are more than happy to make up that number. My view was to have two or three separate sections in undesirable areas of the ground. If you want to make a noise, you’d be more than happy to move. Level 7 Corner was testament to that. I’m not sure how many in the middle tier of the Gallowgate would willingly move seat if that was the option?
 

Now, theoretically say we do get a Dortmund style wall, how many ST holders will want to be in there? I’d guess a fair old whack. Who wouldn’t want to be in the new “home end”? The question is, how do you really get those likeminded fans together? Whilst also allowing a lot of the noise makers back(?) into the ground. Tiered memberships, an undesirable/cheaper section etc etc.

 

It’s obvious we’re going to move.
 

It’s how we move and whether the club will really listen is what really worries me. As based on their current record, they’ve left a hell of a lot to be desired. And because things are going well on the pitch, and the increased revenue a move will bring - will they really be bothered? Probably not…unless we as fans somehow can get our views across.

[Miggys First Goal]

1 hour ago, The Prophet said:

 

So imminent. 

[Whitley mag]

1 hour ago, TheGuv said:

E.g Atmosphere will be better, more revenue will mean we’re better on the pitch (see Spurs), increase likelihood of getting into the ground etc.

 

But understand I’m probably in the minority 

Those 2 things get mentioned and are important aspects, but it’s more than that the place is looking old and tired, level 7 viewing is detached for 15k supporters in the ground, concourses are grim and cramped, the acoustics are shite and the East Stand just needs condemned as it’s completely out of keeping with the rest of ground.

 

The new Everton stadium has 53k compact and close to the pitch, that’s just not possible at SJP.

 

You are spot on though that this needs to be done correctly and as much as I want move, I have grave concerns with Silverstone involved that the ordinary fan will be way down their list of priorities.