To resolve the ongoing construction issue at St James’ Park, Newcastle United may have to make a choice that many supporters will not approve of. It is urgent for the club in advance of the much awaited renovations to the renowned ancient ground, with a possible update scheduled for the spring.
But according to football writer Dave Powell, it will be challenging to come up with a solution that works for everyone. He discussed the intricacies and requirements of any new stadium for Newcastle in an interview with the Everything is Black and White podcast.
“Everton [for instance] will benefit in the upcoming years from Bramley-Moore Dock. They’ve endured a lot of hardship, but Goodison Park was no longer suitable for a football team in the modern era. St. James’ Park is a landmark, a behomth of a venue.
I adore it because it’s in the heart of the city and is the best-located major football ground in the UK; it truly is out on its own in terms of that charm. However, what’s great about its charm is that it can also be a barrier to its growth.
“A massive regeneration project is underway at Old Trafford, if you look at what [Manchester] United has planned for the property. The land must be there. There must be available land for auxiliary developments if Newcastle decides to rebuild or stay as it is.
“Take a look at Spurs; they have the NFL one, the retractable pitch, and the F1 racing experience beneath the stadium. The Premier League’s standard changing rooms are located on one side of the stadium, while the NFL’s permitted usage of the space results in broader changing rooms on the other.
Why couldn’t Newcastle try to be the venue that can be [that] for the north and bring some of these American sports to the various markets if that was the intention when they were building a new stadium? None of these things should be exclusive to London.
“You should be able to host major boxing matches, concerts, etc.; there must be other sources of revenue. To increase their revenue, they must figure out how to make the hospitality better.
For Premier League teams looking to generate extra revenue outside of football’s weekends and midweek, multipurpose arenas are now more crucial than ever. A state-of-the-art contemporary stadium can be essential to keeping on the right side of the line in a world of severe sporting penalties for breaking financial rules, something Newcastle is all too well with after being forced into unwanted transfer business over the summer to comply.
However, the opulence and amenities of a new stadium also raise concerns about the relationship and trajectory of contemporary football. Powell goes on to say that he feels sorry for people who are worried about what might happen next.
“I’m a Chester fan so I still go and stand on the terraces,” he says. “What I still enjoy about it is that it’s the opposite of the current game, and even if we’re not a fantastic football team, it’s a part of who I am.
“I completely see that from the perspective of the supporters, especially at Newcastle, where if you reside in the city and the surrounding area, you are a Newcastle fan. No one is actually wandering around as a Liverpool, Chelsea, or United supporter. Because of its identification, you are a Newcastle supporter.
“Most people will find it difficult to convince Newcastle to move to a new stadium, but they will need to figure out how to make better use of their existing space. I’m not sure what that looks like on the ground, but I believe it’s fairly residential and built up, so there isn’t much room for more development around St. James’ Park because you’re so close to the city center. This includes redevelopment and purchasing some existing land nearby.
“Can they accomplish more with what they have, as I don’t think that’s really an option? Yes. However, the position in the heart of the city can be a plus. For certain venues, travel connections are a major issue. Building a stadium out of town necessitates getting people there, which raises costs and occasionally results in soulless performances.
Given that it’s one of the liveliest and busiest city centers in the UK, perhaps renovating the stadium and making it into what we just discussed would be its USP [unique selling point]. It might be its USP.
For the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) there is still plenty to do and coming up with strategies is just the start. “They’re going to have to do more, they’re going to have to raise matchday revenue and commercial revenue will go hand-in-hand with that,” Poell adds. “United’s plans for Old Trafford are likely to cause serious issues.
“Obviously, I believe Newcastle and Chelsea are in a similar predicament. The fact that the trust owns the pitch and other facilities makes it difficult for Chelsea to relocate or renovate, and it is incredibly costly to do so in London.
“Daniel Levy was candid when Tottenham did it, stating that Newcastle would need to find a cost-effective solution since the issue with doing it now is that it might not happen to the extent it did because interest rates are different.
Additionally, something that appropriately provides them with the chance to compete in terms of matchday revenue. Liverpool remained in their current location, successfully restored Afield, increased commercial revenue, and this year’s matchday revenue will surpass £100 million for the first time.
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