Newcastle United are pressing ahead with plans to build a brand new stadium on Leazes park.
It has been reported by the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope that the capacity will be in the region of 65,000, rather than the 70,000-plus that was previously rumoured, with chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan thought to be fully supportive of the move after meetings on Tyneside last month.
Confirmation of the club’s plans are yet to be confirmed and Darren Eales recently told the media that a final decision will be made in the “near future.”
However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Toon chiefs plan to build a brand new, multi-purpose home – and we can reveal one modern design under consideration.
NUFC Blog can exclusively reveal that one stadium the club have been studying as they step up plans for a new home is the impressive Allegiant Stadium.
The domed multi-purpose stadium is located in Nevada and the home of NFL side the Las Vegas Raiders. It was opened it 2020, can host up to 65,000 supporters and sits adjacent the world famous Las Vegas strip.
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Club executives are said to be impressed by the Allegiant, which has a retractable roof, and could look to imitate much of the infrastructure and overall design. Though it will not be a carbon copy they will certainly take inspiration.
The $2bn stadium has hosted the Super Bowl, Coldplay, WrestleMania and Copa America, offering that multi-purpose potential that opens doors to a number of huge financial opportunities.
Given PIF’s and Sela’s links to Riyadh season and the increasingly lucrative world of boxing, a stadium with the potential to hold other major sporting events could also add its appeal.
NUFC blog understands they could still make the outside structure similar to that of the Allianz Arena with an external “bubble wrap” look seen at Bayern Munich’s current home.
Allianz Arena: Bayern Munich Football Stadium - e-architect
The prospect of moving away from St James’ Park is a sore subject for many supporters, which is understandable, but a new ground can hugely expand the club’s earning potential and open the gates to over 10,000 fans currently struggling to get tickets.
A move to a new stadium, set to be situated around Leazes Park, would also support Project 2030; an ambitious five-year plan revealed by The Telegraph as PIF look to turn Newcastle United into one of the game’s leading operators.