Expert reveals Newcastle’s owners have decided new stadium plans
Newcastle have made a decision on whether they want to redevelop St. James’ Park or build a new stadium.
That is according to football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley, who told Football Insider exclusively that the Magpies will generate “significantly more” matchday income from their stadium plans.
Newcastle had been planning to announce new stadium plans in early 2025, but the club’s hierarchy are yet to commit to anything publicly.
Behind the scenes, Newcastle have been exploring £1billion investment deal to pay for their new home, as owners Saudi PIF are unwilling to pay for everything themselves.
But despite talks of St. James’ Park being renovated, it seems likely the club will follow the path set by Tottenham and Everton.
Newcastle opt against redeveloping St. James’ Park
Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, Plumley revealed that he does not expect St. James’ Park to be redeveloped, and instead, Newcastle will build a new stadium.
The plan will be for the surrounding area to act as a “sporting hub”, whilst the stadium would act similarly to Tottenham’s by hosting multiple different entertainment events.
Plumley explained: “I think a new stadium will be the way that they go.
“They won’t redevelop St. James’, they’ll go for a new, purpose-built, bigger stadium in a different part of the city, we know the blueprint for that.
“We’ve seen Spurs and Everton most recently, so what you’re trying to do there is unlock bigger matchday revenues, there’ll be a huge amount more corporate seats as well within that, an uplift on what’s there, to boost the overall attendance.
“We know there’s a waiting list for Newcastle season tickets. It’s always going to be a club that will have the demand to back that up.
“It’s then about what else you can do with the stadium, use it for other events, concerts, again, can you sign deals with other sports or properties? What can you do to maximise that stadium when it’s not playing football matches?
“If you do it on a new build, you have got land around it you can do other things for, and make it into a little sporting hub, so that’ll be the model.
“We know that’ll generate significantly more money in match day revenue once it’s up and running.”
David Hopkinson leading Newcastle into new era
David Hopkinson was appointed as Newcastle’s CEO in September, and his first order of business will be figuring out the club’s new home.
St. James’ Park has hosted the Magpies since they were founded in 1892, and the last time it was renovated was in 1998.
A new stadium will give Newcastle the opportunity for more matchday income and other sources of revenue, and could be crucial for the club to finally cement their place in the upper echelons of English football.