St James' Park

[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 February 24 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.

 

[Wolfcastle]

Really think its disingenuous to use 'improved atmosphere' to further a cause on this. There's just no way to know that anyway and the only evidence is overwhelmingly to the contrary. There's no examples since the mid90s cultural change of increased capacity much less new bigger stadium improving atmosphere in this country. We experienced it with the Gallowgate then the Milburn/Leazes extensions.

A new stadium/extension is not going to turn around nearly 30years of culture change in football fans.

 

 

Edited February 24 by Wolfcastle

[Whitley mag]

Just now, Wolfcastle said:

Really think its disingenuous to use 'improved atmosphere' to further a cause on this. For starters there's no way to know that and the only evidence is overwhelmingly to the contrary. There's not a single example of increased capacity much less new bigger stadium improving atmosphere in this country and the only one I can think of in Europe is Dortmund. We've experienced it with the Gallowgate then the Milburn/Leazes.

A new stadium/extension is not going to turn around nearly 30years of culture change in football fans.

The noise might carry better in new stadium though, there’s undoubtedly an issue when the Strawberry Corner can barely be heard from Leazes End.

 

The stands are all lop sided and the noise either gets lost from top tier, or doesn’t carry around.

 

Will it be a magic bullet for the atmosphere no, but it certainly can’t make it any worse.

 

[JT24]

Quote

Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan was presented with both plans for a new stadium as well as a redeveloped St James’ Park in a meeting with senior club figures at a Northumberland hotel on Monday.

 

As well as discussing various aspects of the club’s development and its financial position ahead of the summer transfer window, as it navigates its way through Premier League profitability and sustainability rules (PSR), the construction of a new stadium was high on the agenda.

 

As revealed by Telegraph Sport earlier this month, it is understood the board have explained to Al-Rumayyan that their preferred option would be to move to a purpose-built new stadium on land adjacent to St James’ Park.

 

The new stadium, which is expected to have a capacity of just under 70,000, would be a multi-sport venue and would be built on some of the land already occupied by St James’ Park using an overlapping footprint.

 

At a cost of around £1.5 billion, the impressive stadium, which will be taller than their current home, would be the second-largest club ground in the country with state-of-the-art facilities that would enable it to stage other large events.

 

However, it is not thought a final decision is imminent and the leading representative of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is expected to take some time to consider the cost implications and how it will be funded.

 

There are still some behind the scenes who argue it would be better to stay at St James’ Park because of the emotional pull of staying at their historical home as well as the far cheaper cost of expansion compared to a completely new build.

 

Sources are confident that the new stadium proposal will eventually get the green light from PIF, but they are also happy with the second option should the Saudis decide to remain at St James’ Park.

 

If Newcastle do decide to modernise and expand St James’ Park the capacity will also be well in excess of 60,000 and could be completed within five years at a cost of £800 million. The new stadium is likely to take around seven years to construct.

 

The feeling is that PIF will eventually conclude that it is better to go for a completely new stadium which will be part of a wider regeneration of the surrounding area, but such a big project will need to go through several stages in Saudi Arabia before it is agreed..

 

Telegraph Sport can also now also reveal that if the new stadium is given planning permission – which could be open to legal challenge and face a delayed start date as a result – a new green space will be built where St James’ Park is.

That would mean the listed buildings situated behind the East Stand – which is one of the main obstacles to rebuilding St James’ Park – would overlook the new park.

 

The building of a modern green area is likely to make the loss of some of Leazes Park more palpable to Newcastle City Council but it could be some time until a final decision is made and planning permission sought.

 

[Danh1]

Doesn’t sound like we’ll hear anything any time soon then.

 

 

[JT24]

Aye, remind me in a year when we’re still waiting to hear.