A series of changes will be made to St James’s Park over the summer (Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United have announced a series of changes already in place to St James’ Park and the matchday experience for next season. In an official statement from the club, the Magpies announced a number of improvements which they say have been directly shaped by feedback collected from supporters after home matches, with more than 27,000 fans completing a matchday experience survey this season.
While supporters continue to wait for an announcement as to whether the club intends to expand the capacity of their iconic ground or move to a new stadium, Newcastle have begun making some modest upgrades to their existing home. One particularly notable improvement to note is the stadium’s lighting, with all floodlights set to be replaced with the latest lighting technology for next season. Newcastle believe this will significantly improve visibility while “opening up the opportunity for more pre-match light and entertainment moments”.
Several top grounds have already installed lighting systems to create pre-match light shows, and Newcastle look set to do the same next season.
While such displays have been well-received by some supporters, others are adamantly opposed to them, believing they spoil the atmosphere in the build-up to kick-off.
Newcastle also confirmed that work is underway to provide 5G across the stadium, with installation expected to take place over the next nine to 12 months, while the ground’s PA system has been completely refurbished following years of efforts to improve sound quality.
The Magpies have also announced food and drink provision, enhanced toilet facilities, improved accessibility across the ground, the addition of digital screens in kiosks and the addition of 2,000 refurbished seats, with further upgrades planned.
Regarding the stadium decision facing Newcastle, chief executive David Hopkinson said in December: “Even if we could wave a wand now and wake up tomorrow morning and make a decision on a brand new stadium, this is the decision we made, this is the direction we want to go. If that’s the case, those revenues still won’t show up for five years.”
Certain changes may be controversial among supporters (Image: Getty)
“We’re already beyond 2030. But if we look at things like global partnerships and global sponsorships, which I’ve talked about many times, we can do it today.
“We can literally wake up tomorrow morning and get serious about closing some of these obvious and not-so-obvious opportunities.
“A large part of this is self-help, and a large part of our ability to increase our revenue and, in turn, increase our competitiveness, is within our scope at this point.
“They are in front of us now, and I don’t know how long that will sustain us beyond 2030, unless there is a major transformation, renovating or rebuilding the stadium or other major changes.
“But what I’m looking at is: What needs to change between now and 2030? Our plan is to set ourselves up for success over the next four to five years. And it’s also about what steps we’re going to take to ensure we’re successful in 2030 and beyond.”
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