Newcastle United are “critically contemplating” shifting to a brand new stadium, which may see the membership double its income than it presently makes at St. James’ Park.
With a capability of 52,000, St. James’ Park is one in all the biggest stadiums in English soccer , however, as a result of progress of the membership and monetary energy that has arrived at Newcastle United lately, extra seats are wanted to maintain up with the demand and to capitalise on potential revenues.
Because of the surrounding space, although, increasing the stadium is tough to finish, with the final renovation of St. James’ Park occurring in 2000. Because of this, conversations at the moment are underway, with a call on upgrading their residence floor or constructing a wholly new stadium anticipated to be taken in early 2025.
Newcastle United contemplating transfer to new stadium to generate extra income
St. James’ Park has a 52,000 capability (Picture credit score: Michael Regan/Getty Photographs)
Talking at a Newcastle United “We Are United” fan occasion on Wednesday night time, chief working officer (COO) Brad Miller highlighted the dilemmas between wanting to remain at St. James’ Park, which has been Newcastle’s residence since 1892 and the place the environment is assured, or shifting elsewhere with “the potential to earn greater than twice as a lot when it comes to income”.
“We’ve additionally taken the chance to take a look at what is going to a brand new stadium seem like,” Miller stated . “It’s not evaluating apples with apples, they aren’t like for like. It’s evaluating apples with pears.
Newcastle wish to compete for titles sooner or later (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
“The sensible factor about St. James’ is it’s in an iconic location, the environment and the aggressive edge it provides the workforce on the pitch, and it has 52,000 seats already.
“However a brand new stadium doesn’t have that and we’d must pay for all these seats once more. A brand new stadium has the potential to earn much more, each on matchdays and non-matchdays. It’s giving us a sign that we will truly contribute much more to the soccer membership and soccer facet if we had a brand new stadium.”
Whereas extra income generated from a brand new stadium would offer lots extra alternative for Newcastle to compete with the perfect golf equipment within the nation, there are short-term implications the membership must think about, too. Cash will not be as available to the primary workforce, thus lowering the facet’s competitiveness on the pitch considerably.
It’s this trade-off Miller mentions that the membership will make a last choice on within the new 12 months.
Whereas Miller did not point out a specifc space the place a possible new stadium may very well be constructed, a transfer to close by Leazes Park has been a reported choice in current occasions. That presents points, nevertheless, with the realm a protected inexperienced area.