The idea of Newcastle United moving stadium is a divisive one.
Building a state-of-the-art new ground brings obvious financial benefits but St James’ Park is more than just a stadium for Newcastle United.
It has been their iconic home for 133 years and is unique amongst stadia in English football. Centred in the heart of the city, it’s an incredible place to watch football.
Still, the PIF takeover was always likely to lead to this type of discussion. Rival Premier League teams have moved to new grounds, opening new doors on a commercial basis.
PIF want to build a new stadium at Newcastle, though there is yet to have been any official confirmation.
Still, a recent update from The Daily Mail offers some interesting insight.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
PIF working on plans so Newcastle United avoid West Ham disaster
They claim that the Newcastle United owners and other decision-makers at the club have been working with a company who monitor atmospheres inside stadiums. Naturally, they want to get the acoustics right at a potential new home.
It’s said that they wish to avoid what happened when West Ham moved from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium in 2016, given much has been made about the lack of atmosphere there.
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The report adds that trying to keep the atmosphere that St James’ creates is a priority for those in charge of overseeing any potential stadium move.
Newcastle United’s new stadium potential capacity
Newcastle could build a 68,000-seater new stadium over the next few years, which would be a significant upgrade on the 52,000 they currently have at St James’.
The size of the ground isn’t the only issue, as West Ham fans will have found out. Still, it is exciting to imagine so many Newcastle fans packed inside a new ground should a move happen.
That wouldn’t make leaving St James’ any easier, of course. It will be impossible to recreate the connection the team have with the ground there and suggesting otherwise would be disrespectful.
If Newcastle do move ground, there will no doubt be teething problems. However, it seems the owners are taking every step possible to ensure any transition goes as smoothly as possible.