The debate surrounding Newcastle United’s proposed new stadium plans continue to rage on, as we remain in the dark over when and where we could actually be moving to.
At this moment in time, it’s due to be announced that we’ll be moving up to Leazes Park, but this won’t be until well after 2028 when St James’ Park is slated to be a host venue for the EUROs.
A state-of-the art new stadium is a necessity if we want to continue meeting our target of doubling commercial revenue on an annual basis. But the fanbase is rightfully concerned that this would take away the atmosphere that has made a trip up North so feared in the past few seasons.
And if there’s one man who knows exactly about the importance of St James’ Park to the local community, it’s Alan Shearer. But even he’s admitted that he’s open to a move as long as certain conditions are met…
Shearer open to move – on the right terms
Alan Shearer has plead the case that the ground we play on should try to retain its iconic city centre location, but admitted that he understood the financial lucrative a new multi-purpose venue could have.
Speaking on BBC Football Focus, he said: “I would be up for that (a new stadium). I understand the need to grow.”
“If it were to stay in the city centre, because that’s what makes it so special and unique about this place, it’s right in the middle. If it’s not too far from here I would be for that.”
“I’m pretty sure the rest of the Newcastle fans would be too. That’s not taking any of the great memories away. We’ve had some amazing times here at St James’ Park. But the need to move on is really important too.”
Hopkinson, PIF have huge decision to make
Right now, an expansion of St James’ Park to over 60,000 capacity would be the most sure-fire way to appease the fanbase and still make a smart commercial decision.
However, the allure of having a multi-purpose stadium, like the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, for events like concerts and even the NFL is something that would help us massively as we try to break the glass ceiling in English football at the moment.
The club’s new CEO David Hopkinson, having been the Global Head of Partnerships at Real Madrid, in particular won’t want to miss out on such a financial opportunity.
But the more time he has spent with the likes of Shearer, fan representatives and the local community, it would be hard to imagine the Canadian isn’t at least swayed by the idea of keeping St James’ Park as our home.
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