75,000 but the atmosphere is ESSENTIAL, fans must be close to the pitch etc. it’s what sets Newcastle apart.
@thebyronicmann3 ай бұрын
🎯👏
@garyrichardson56583 ай бұрын
Been going to SJP since 1974 , I would vote for 75k new ground
@TC-qd1zw3 ай бұрын
1955 I first went, seen them play Bolton Wonderers. Not long before the Cup Final. Only 8 at the time cost me three of pennies to get in and my dad 6d at the Leazes end. Some improvement’s since then.
@johnstephenson47113 ай бұрын
I think you have to be looking at 70k minimum. Limiting capacity to 60k would be a big mistake. Manure are going to build a 100k stadium. City are expanding capacity. Spurs already have 60k plus with portential to expand further.
@kevinwhale29983 ай бұрын
First game was in 1974. Went with my Dad. Incredible. Loved the majesty of St. James' park. However, times have moved on. We need a super stadium, to generate revenue and media eyes on the club. Nothing lasts forever. We have to move. It will be heartbreaking but we need to be pragmatic and realistic. A new amazing stadium will be the genesis of NUFC and we will come to love it as much as the old St James'. Onwards and upwards I say.🎉
@TonyODOnnell-tt8gh3 ай бұрын
👏...Well said..
@maddiand3 ай бұрын
Sadly I think you're right. There are too many things that we could never get from St James Park in it's current location. Whatever they do though, it must remain in / by the town centre.
@johnenglish9293 ай бұрын
“Saturday 3 o’clock games at St James’s should almost be the equivalent of a listed building.” That is so true ! I couldn’t agree more !!!
@peterarmstrong32983 ай бұрын
Craig there are over 100'000 members. If 20% want season tickets that's a capacity of 72,000 and I believe I'm being conservative there. At the Wimbledon game my daughter went to the toilet at half time and missed the first 4 minutes of the second half due to the queue. Something needs to change. New ground for me.
@NUFC24123 ай бұрын
No guarantee the club sell anymore season tickets. Commercially it's makes no sense. Can make more other ways with tickets
@iananderson26773 ай бұрын
@@NUFC2412 season tickets are guaranteed revenue, other ways of selling tickets can lead to unsold tickets and lost revenue. That is where the balancing act comes in.
@andrewcharlton60803 ай бұрын
@@NUFC2412there are 25,000 people on the waiting list and they’ve stopped allowing people to join the waiting list I understand the demand argument but we can fill 70-75k and have them as season tickets. They also want to establish Newcastle as a football tourist destination and we are well placed for visitors from Scandinavia. We need more than 65k
@NUFC24123 ай бұрын
@iananderson2677 corporate etc bring more money. Not saying they won't put on sale anymore season tickets. But I believe if it's only an expansion they won't sell any
@andrewcharlton60803 ай бұрын
@@NUFC2412I know corporate brings in more money. Part of that is football tourism too. The people on the waiting list are not going to be the people buying corporate seats or boxes. There’s also a 10 year wait for the corporate boxes. No reason we can’t fill a 75k stadium and gain the extra income from corporate sales too
@ant25333 ай бұрын
I hope that the stadium is at least in a very similar location - Newcastle is unique in that respect and offers a different experience for both home and away fans. It looks like we're heading for a new stadium rather than extensions so I'd like to see a build similar to what Spurs did. I understand the issues with Leazes Park (shout out to Tyneside Life) but I'm sure that a remodelled park around a new stadium using existing bits from the park (gates, terrace, bandstand, etc) could deliver a much nicer experience than the current park. The Council need to step up to support this. I think 65 to 70k capacity will be enough but build like Geordie Stephenson and over-engineer at this stage so more could be added later if there's a business case. Howay the Lads! Exciting times!
@robferriday99453 ай бұрын
As long as the new stadium resembles the cauldron of St James's park and creates the same atmosphere then im all for it!
@b19gow763 ай бұрын
If the pure objective is capacity how can you be sure it will
@Geronimo00673 ай бұрын
Cauldron? Its definitely not the shape of a Cauldron 😂
@earthlingcarl31793 ай бұрын
It has to be at least 75k or what's the point in bothering.
@sirobson40803 ай бұрын
We need a new stadium not a renovation of St James'. For me the perfect solution would be a Spurs style new stadium. Rotate 90 degrees on the existing foundations. Build temporary stands at Gateshead using shipping containers, like what they did in the Qatar World Cup. That would be the perfect solution in my opinion.
@sid-d4w3 ай бұрын
Interesting idea
@sirobson40803 ай бұрын
@@sid-d4w I honestly think that it's the only way to keep everyone happy.
@IndieGoFigure3 ай бұрын
A 65-70 thousand capacity was reckoned possible by turning the pitch even without the land behind the gallowgate, could absolutely push for 10K more with that extra land.
@Nala19503 ай бұрын
Buy out the houses at leases terrace turn it into a museum. About the toon not just football and then build up the east stand I don’t think a museum would be bothered about light just an idea other than that get the council involved about leazes park Cmon council pull your finger out
@sirobson40803 ай бұрын
@@Nala1950 the problem is that Leazes Terrace is Grade 2 protected. And it's the rules surrounding this is why you can't build up the East Stand. So even if it was a museum, you can't build up on it.
@mrchrismiller3 ай бұрын
Having been going since 1974, my view is that 65k is probably logically about right if you want to sell out every game. As with other stadiums the majority of new seats will probably be corporate, especilly if they want to milk the commercial side, and not more affordable tickets - which I would prefer to see but I am guessing wont happen.
@relayer273 ай бұрын
Got to remember that a brand new stadium wouldnt just be used for football matches, it would be a massive attraction for music gigs and even other sports also a top of the range stadium could be used for coporate events that are non sport related.So a brand new stadium could vastly increase the clubs revenue
@iandixon96753 ай бұрын
And it would take our soul. The thing that makes sjp unique.
@Andy-kg9ud3 ай бұрын
We've had concerts and international games at sjp so why would it take our soul away?@@iandixon9675
@bencockburn48382 ай бұрын
You aren't making millions by hosting concerts. There's very little margin in it. We also don't have huge conurbations of potential viewers around us like you have in London, Manchester or the Midlands.
@robertggreener3 ай бұрын
Go 100k biggest in this country and planet earth. We have 52,000 go every game and 35,000 on the waiting list and many more like myself not even on the waiting list but would go for a season ticket. The basic maths scream for 90,000 plus . I think we are in a once in a lifetime moment where we have the ability to build a state of the art stadium and to make a statement of the biggest stadium in the country and even the world by going bigger than barcelona with a 100k capacity stadium. St James is starting to look dated and tatty and many other premier teams are building new stadia. Staying at St James park is holding us back. It will be hard to move, but with our fans we would soon make a new ground home. My first game as a ten year old was Kevin Keegan’s debut as a player v QPR in 1982 and have so many wonderful memories at St James Park, but to take this club to the heights our fans deserve needs a big move and a bold statement.
@JohnRobertson-o6i3 ай бұрын
Although I love St James went to my first Game in 1961 and was a season ticket holder for 3 and half decades ( until Ashley ) and am 1 of those that currently can’t get in I really don’t think in a PSR world simply expanding the ground to give extra crowd capacity will do anything to allow the club to compete financially. The club needs a ground that has proper pubs and restaurants ( not concourse bars and pies) where match goers spend all of the money they currently spend in bars and restaurants around the city centre before and after a game. This might not be welcomed by a lot of people ( particularly bar owners and traditionalists) but the current rules on PSR demand it and it’s why clubs like spurs have done what they have done. Sadly it’s hard to see a ground extension achieving much more than adding extra seats and rejigging ( rather than really growing corporate) which unfortunately will not help us compete. New ground needed not because it’s what we want but because it’s what we need
@billrailton7123 ай бұрын
Yes a bitter pill to swallow but as you say a necessity 👍
@iandixon96753 ай бұрын
I would rather finish 4th at SJP than finish 2nd in a soulless new shite stadium.Some things are just more important.You won't realise how special our home is until its gone.
@JohnRobertson-o6i3 ай бұрын
@@iandixon9675 respect and understand your opinion but the problem is I don’t think think it will be a choice between 2nd or 4th I think it will be a choice between competing and not competing. But like I said respect your opinion but don’t agree
@billrailton7123 ай бұрын
@@iandixon9675 went to my first game in 1965. Best place ever couldn’t believe it. It was a very much different stadium then and I have seen it develop over the decades since., but the fans never change. It’s the fans that are the heart and soul of the club. Yes I wish we could stay at SJP but it just doesn’t make business/commercial sense unless we can develop Leazes park. Now I currently don’t know what the situation is with so many conflicting reports but it would be by far and away everyone’s best solution. If as you say from 30 years ago it remains a non starter then there is no choice other than to build a brand new stadium elsewhere! The majority of fans will accept and adapt or we will be destined to mid table mediocrity! Sorry just my opinion.
@iandixon96753 ай бұрын
@@JohnRobertson-o6i Probably right.I,m just being a nostalgic sod lol.
@Toenala3 ай бұрын
I'm a long term season ticket holder at St James Park but I'd welcome a brand new stadium. The Wembley visit showed what a new stadium could bring. For example large screens that everyone can see. 75,000 capacity with a retractable roof.
@deanharding7403 ай бұрын
80,000 seater super stadium in Leazes park with underground parking set in beautiful landscaped grounds that everyone can enjoy. It’s a no brainer. Everyone would enjoy it and it would put the city on the international map and attract visitors. A fabulous imaginative building in the same way the sage and the Tyne bridge and the millennium bridge have become landmarks. That’s what’s required. It’s an opportunity for a private company (the club) to foot the cost for what would almost be a civic building. The city council would be really stupid not to seize this incredible opportunity. And it goes without saying atmosphere is key.
@davidjohncook57673 ай бұрын
I had a season ticket from the opening of the East Stand until I left the area in 1983 when the capacity increased to 52000, I was one of 15000 on the waiting list to get a season ticket, traveling 500 miles round trip for 10 years before sadly having to give it up due to personal health issues. Only an odd match since, but in the last two years as a member I have only had success in Ballot twice. I still have the 500-mile trip and now can't manage the journey in a day so require accommodation. I would love to have guaranteed matches at least 5 times a season, and be able to watch the rest on TV. A capacity needs to reflect additional commercial income, but also the core fans. Possibly around 65-70000 would do that? Who knows where we may get as we grow so those making the decision a difficult task. I saw Moncur lift the Fairs Cup, I can't wait to see another trophy.
@petertaylor34463 ай бұрын
Bless ya mate true fan
@TonyODOnnell-tt8gh3 ай бұрын
100, 000 members sold. We need a new ground. 75, 000 +.( with option to still inc) Ideally like in the bondi vid, so it's turned into leazes park. When the questions were 1st out to the fans, the majority wanted to stay. I now think we've whent full circle. So if asked again, most people would vote to move to a new ground, in the city centre. As they see Everton's new ground, Tottenham's new ground, Liverpool ( new stand) Man City looking to increase, Manure wanting a new ground . We are lagging way behind. We need to get all those fans locked out, game after game, in ! Make it so it has a closed roof option to facilitate concerts, etc. Maximising profit. We have to move with the times. Otherwise, we're going to be right at the back of the que, with the weathiest owners on the planet. Which in itself would be insane. If we don't maximise our passionate fan bases potential....
@andrew1483 ай бұрын
They need at least 70,000 seats to help close the gap to the cartel.
@johnenglish9293 ай бұрын
None of them has anything like a 70,000 capacity. The football business model is different these days. It’s no longer just about stadium capacity. If it was, Levy for one would have built bigger. You don’t build a larger stadium than you need these days.
@andrew1483 ай бұрын
@johnenglish929 Well Man Utd do for a start and even with the dross they've been serving up for the past 10yrs, have been filling thr stadium. Now they're talking about 100k. Tottenham are just one of a number of clubs in London and also have Wembley on their doorstep for England matches or other regional sporting - or non-sporting - events. It's not a valid comparison.
@johnenglish9293 ай бұрын
@@andrew148 I was referring only to the top 6 ! No one else has anything like 70,000.
@keithrn94473 ай бұрын
Why not stand? and watch ? Are we too feeble and weak to be able to stand for 2.5 hours?
@johnenglish9293 ай бұрын
@@keithrn9447 Absolutely. I’ve never understood - apart from health reasons - why anybody would actually choose to watch a match sitting down rather than standing on the terraces.
@TheCeodoc3 ай бұрын
80k minimum. Essentially though a suffocating surround of the pitch and a huge focus on the acoustics. Any fear of extra capacity not selling can be allayed by reducing prices, build more seats, sell them lower.
@centurion84463 ай бұрын
Have to think of the Tuesday League vs Wimbledon type games as well. We did great to fit 52000 in. I reckon number wise 65-70000 is right, it's not just that though, St James Park isn't a Space Age statement as say Tottenhams newly built stadium is. It's the epicentre of a major brand and like the Atlanta and other major NFL stadiums in America pif would want it to have renown. Best case scenario is to actually be able to build on Leazes Park as we'll have the space and it wno't be cramped pluys the benefits of being in the City Centre
@paulloraine23083 ай бұрын
53K SJP - Currently 3K Away. 33-35K ST holders. 4K Corporate. 13K Ballot/General Sale. 90K membership last season. 75K+ membership as of start of season this year = New stadium 75/80K with option to go bigger. There’s your answer. the demand is there not just from Home fans but Away fans also. Remember this is all before we’ve been allowed to flex our potential financial might and buy the best players in the world. Football, live music and other sporting events are all showing massive live attendance growth.
@stephenrichards91183 ай бұрын
It's not just about seating capacity it's more corporate boxes that boost the revenue
In may 77 I was one of the 7000 that saw us beat Wrexham 2-0 in the old second division , open sides on the Gallowgate and Leazes and a dilapidated West Pavillion , had we been offered a 75k all seater state of the art ground and the chance to be best in the world I’m sure we would have taken it ,even if we would have thought we were dreaming
@normansidey52583 ай бұрын
In the 1960’s I was home on Christmas leave from the army, I think it was the Christmas Eve game against Leeds Utd, and although SJP was predominantly standing back then, I seem to remember the announced attendance was 66 thousand, it felt more like 70 thousand plus, and allowing for the miscounting, and the turnstile pedal being kept depressed for quite a large number of fans, (a little bit of beer money for the turnstile keeper) I think the real number was in the 70 thousand +. Given the population growth, and raised interest in the toon, I think a stadium of 100 thousand would be perfectly feasible.
@patrickfagan19673 ай бұрын
Why are you slavishly following the "one empty seat makes the business model fail" bollocks. Demand will differ depending on a number of factors - competition, opposition, weather, TV coverage. So flexibility needed, meaning err on side of caution, say 80k.
@johnenglish9293 ай бұрын
There is a cost to having empty seats in terms of construction, maintenance etc . If you have an 80,000 stadium and an attendance of 65,000, ultimately the cost of the extra 15,000 will be borne by the 65,000.
@davidhenderson48713 ай бұрын
Prem top 10 average attendances are maxed every week Craig... Man Utd 75k, spurs & West ham 62k etc.... 75k is a min if we move.. 1 club city, big waiting lists.. but caveat that it stays city centre in which case only options would be The Arena site down by river which would be spectacular, or Leazes/nuns Moor South. If none are viable then has to be rebuild current stadium to max they can get probs 65k. Wouldn't wanna see stadium move to Benton, or Racecourse etc...
@jimmywatt23203 ай бұрын
New stadium 80k or more for me.
@TonyODOnnell-tt8gh3 ай бұрын
100%
@andrew2702983 ай бұрын
70k. At some point we will be winning trophies and attracting fans from outside of the area and even the country. I don’t have a season ticket and can’t get to watch my team any more.
@scottdavison55843 ай бұрын
I love SJP. But it's massively run down. The East Stand is one of the worst concourses in the PL and is decades out of date, while the Milburn/Leazes are essentially a multi-storey carpark which leads into a football stadium. If one bloke can place down a fence to try and make a few quid, heaven knows the other issues we'd face with redeveloping that stand. I think the club are quite clearly softening people up for a new stadium with "Once in a generation", and mentioning our PSR headroom.
@craigarkle10773 ай бұрын
52k worked in the Bobby day’s successful days however now it is near impossible to get a ticket for league cup with a week’s notice against Wimbledon. It needs to be 70k so you can actually go with your friends rather than just sitting in a random seat if you get lucky
@rogerash3 ай бұрын
Craig. You are lucky you can get in every week. My son tried for tickets for every home game last season and was unsuccessful in the ballot, its the same this season. 65000 would go some way towards solving the problem but this is a once in a generation opportunity. This decision will determine the next 50 years. 75000 would give you a 15% increase over the gate revenue generated by a 65000 stadium and with any future formula that links spending to income surely the way to boos this is to tap into those that never get the chance to attend. I dont understand the empty seat issue. What is the problem if you get 70000 for a midweek fixture but 75000 for a weekend game.
@clarkmason61623 ай бұрын
As someone who moved away and lives now in the midlands the idea of an 80k new stadium where I would have a chance of getting a ticket and enormously enhance the commercial side sounds what the clubs hierarchy should be striving for BUT, that view as I drive over the Redheugh bridge, it’s just magnificent, the memories created since I first went aged 6, the match day buzz walking thru the city is special. So purely with my heart, rebuild the Gallowgate try and shoehorn another 10k in but stay at St James
@adamcrawford13463 ай бұрын
I do get your point Craig, it’s an impossible question. I do agree with a full stadium of the fans. I do think they can fill 80,000 easy. They need to generate the income. But St James is not just a ground, it’s a part of the team and an aura.
@iandixon96753 ай бұрын
Exactly
@davidparry23013 ай бұрын
If we were to be a top European club with the fan base we have I think 65k is on the low side
@andrewcharlton60803 ай бұрын
We have 25,000 people waiting for season tickets. The club has also stopped allowing people to join the waiting list so we don’t know the true number of fans wanting to purchase a season ticket. Unless we expand to allow the majority of the fans on the waiting list to get tickets then I think we’ve missed an opportunity
@andrewcharlton60803 ай бұрын
I fully understand that clubs make more money from corporate and VIP seating. Juventus moved from the 67,000 Stadio Della Alpi to their new 42,000 seater Allianz and makes more match day income. St James’ is behind the times when it comes to corporate hospitality so any stadium upgrade will have to dedicate space to expand this at the expense of normal terraced seating. When compared to say a 60000 seat stadium a 75000 seat one may not generate so much extra revenue that it’s a financial no brainer but there are other reasons for expanding to that size. Atmosphere, reputation and rewarding the fans who’ve waited patiently on the waiting list are all good reasons. Even 75000 will still leave 1000’s of people on the season ticket waiting list and as long as we are fighting at the right end of the league I’d only see that increasing
@alanbryson66973 ай бұрын
What ever number you come up with won't be enough, if we are successful then the sky is the limit & we can only hope but if the Pif are adventurous & want to improve the hole structure of the foot ball team etc, go fuck the FA.
@danielorabona87243 ай бұрын
I believe it needs to be around the 70,000 mark with the ability to expand to 80000 in the future. It will not only be a football venue and that will matter to NUFC for the extra revenue available.
@andygallagher68973 ай бұрын
I think 75k seems more reasonable than 65 given the scale of work needed either way. That's 23k extra than today but 10% will go to away fans and realistically several thousand will be Corporate etc. We should be aiming to give 10-15k extra "standard" tickets, with a proportion of that aimed at kids to allow new supporters to come
@briancollins30713 ай бұрын
I would like to see a 70/75 k stadium, because I for one would renew my season ticket, I was one of the 10,000 that cancelled my when Raffa left
@levstone4153 ай бұрын
The atmosphere at Anfield is quieter as they reckon most of the Kop are aged 50. If you want teenagers and 20-30 year olds to have tickets then 65-70k capacity is about right as remembers the club will undoubtedly also be increasing the corporate seats. Expanding the Gallowgate will add corporate 3-4k and fans 3-4k. East Stand isn't worth upgrading as Leazes Terrace Grade 2 is the bottleneck. For the town's future prosperity it needs planning permission for Leazes Terrace or a new club in Leazes Park (planning permission again).
@simonleepearson3 ай бұрын
I can’t believe that 60,000 for st James park is anywhere near the numbers we need when we are challenging for the PL and the CL The Saudis think big and we should too 80,000 not a seat less
@leemays70333 ай бұрын
65k I think will be a solid number for capacity, its such a number that will still sell out every week, no questions asked but at the same time will being in the much needed revenue with the increased capacity
@givemesomewine3 ай бұрын
Has to be 80k plus huge areas for corporate...they like luxury..and will pay for it.
@paulmcgreevy30113 ай бұрын
Can’t compare to money in London and Manchester.
@DavidLaverick-c7p3 ай бұрын
If the depreciation cost of the new ground / development doesn't count for PSR but the extra income from higher attendance does, then the higher the capacity the better. Every extra seat will add into the transfer pot. Saudi PIF don't need a return on every seat, they just need the best possible team on the pitch to win things
@johnbrigzywardy45963 ай бұрын
Was on way to work this morning had a glow out n the fog looked amazing
@ericengleby2653 ай бұрын
70k with Potential to increase more
@RENCHER3 ай бұрын
If staying at St James' then 65k is probably the upper limit. The leases terrace issue can't be overcome. If moving to a new place, 75k seems about right. The Saudis want a return on investment, and the best way of getting that is having more bums on seats. Chucking an extra tier on the gallowgate won't be enough.
@iantoontraider41893 ай бұрын
80k with 20k new season tickets of varying prices now they'd sell out in an hour. Then use the rest of the increase for more corporate areas to increase average matchday spend. I'm sure that would work based on the amount of people in the ballots week in week out. Myself and my Son went every home game for years on our Memberships and now we struggle to get a ticket as many of my friends do. For me it's pointless spending Billions on a new stadium for 10k tickets which would mostly be corporate
@TonyODOnnell-tt8gh3 ай бұрын
Totally agree 👍
@jrws893 ай бұрын
Respect your opinions Craig but I have to disagree. If we are selling out regularly at 52K and we have a demand for season tickets then increasing the capacity by another 10,000 isn’t going to cut it. If we are aiming to become a regular in European Competition (Champions League) in the future then big games against the likes of the Milan clubs and Real Madrid are going to become part of the norm so therefore a much greater number is needed for capacity. Personally, I wouldn’t go higher than 75K which would mean a big upgrade on all sides of the ground. If you look at Old Trafford I think that’s around 75K and they sell out regularly so I think that’s the number we need to be aiming for
@anthonyg96703 ай бұрын
Completely agree, an extra 10-12k on the current capacity is enough. Even one empty seat in the ground is a failure, the club need to keep a feeling of demand for tickets and a clamour to get in the ground where possible. The current “good” times may not last forever and I fear a 70/80k bowl will look horrific if we only pull in the 40/50k hardcore who’ll turn up no matter what. I’m glad the club seem to be thinking rationally about this, rather than just building the biggest stadium possible. Further to this, we really should focus on a top tier training ground. Be interesting to hear what the club think about the current training ground, and if there are any potential sites around the city they could build on. Seems to be ample land around the airport/Ponteland that could be earmarked for that type of thing (planning permission depending, of course). Great video as always, Craig. Cheers.
@craighope_dailymail3 ай бұрын
Thanks Anthony. I’ve written today about the training ground being narrowed to three sites now.
@VWR73 ай бұрын
No chance around the airport
@iananderson26773 ай бұрын
If this is a generational one off rebuild/refurb then we should be building for as many new seats as possible. 65k is way too few Craig and I think you know that as you said it with a glint in your eye (winding up the Geordies). For me the minimum we should consider is 85k. If as you say there are occasionally empty seats (and I totally disagree with you that there will be) then empty seats don’t cost you revenue, a full stadium with thousands wanting tickets is lost revenue in perpetuity.
@RobGThai3 ай бұрын
The fear is a really good point. That said if we don’t increase the seats then we will need to increase the price. We need to keep up with the competition one way or another in term of capital. More advertising in stadium would be an option but that’s not the main source for sure. Having more seats could mean grandfathers in season ticket holder and hike up the price for the rest, etc.
@terrym613 ай бұрын
Wembley Stadium just after halftime ,there’s one big square block of seats that are completely empty while corporate clients are finishing their crème brûlée and coffee. The thought of “st James “ being the same horrifies me.Personally I wouldn’t let those people back to their seats if they weren’t back within the first five minutes of the second half
@barrycrosby86023 ай бұрын
The answer is the biggest and best stadium in the country, so 90000 plus and leezes park is the ideal place there are issues but they could be overcome with the location, Newcastle should also look at a dual purpose for the stadium, along with being the home ground of Newcastle United it should have the facilities to host champions league finals and internationals and a second purpose is the best open air music venue in the world this would raise huge revenues for the club
@jmz18923 ай бұрын
Me and my son want a season ticket so 80k+ new stadium. St James' has hardly brought us good luck winning titles/cups has it. So look to the future not the past.
@blip2012Toon3 ай бұрын
Another good summary Craig - reading a lot of material from other clubs including the Liverpool upgrade and European clubs... the optimum capacity seems to hover around 62-68,000 with an appropriate corporate assignment. Also multi-purpose facilities for other football, rugby and music etc events. You have to have that 'demand' issue synthetic or real for seats' and the club has to think about the impact of leaving SJP we might not want to leave the site but what do the next generation(s) think and what about the fans who are on a long list and the overseas fans...and dare we say it corporate casual fans or interested parties.. If only they could overcome or get some compromise from other bodies and (medieval) orders to raise the stands in height and capacity and create that WHL/RMA class A stadium. Will be fascinating to see how this one plays out and if the fans, club and region get behind it. Lot of issues and process and perhaps a political intervention to come before we get anywhere near the first building brick. Getting the atmosphere right and that matter of where to put the away fans (Wor Flags) if we leave SJP.... lest we forget.
@joem57033 ай бұрын
The cost to extend the Gallowgate, in my opinion, doesn't represent value for money given the relatively small capacity increase gained. The phrase 'once in a generation and investment' implies a much bigger project than just the Gallowgate.
@aidanknox1223 ай бұрын
Think that the Stadium should be at least 75k and understand that the PL is becoming ever more a global spectacle, so there is so much scope for corporate and luxurious experience tourism etc to make lots of money . Having said that a really big issue is how do the club open up the stadium to current fans who already cannot afford season tickets and ticket prices in general!?
@mandypyle64953 ай бұрын
I love st James park, but if we could extend it to 70.000 I would stay forever,but if we can only take it up to 60.000 and a cost of 1 billion I would say we have to move,no more then70.000 would be great and I think we would sell out,I am in the ballot and have just got my first ticket for the Brighton game in almost two years I would pay a season ticket tomorrow if one came available
@clubberlang40673 ай бұрын
70 thousand for me. The hope is we get a great team that plays exciting football challenging & also away fans allocation could grow too for the big teams coming
@gillgareth3 ай бұрын
Record attendance at St James Park back in 1930 was 68,386 and that was before social media, the conception of EPL global appeal, before nation states decided to put big dollars into EPL clubs, Saudis dont do thinks in half measures, it will be a 100k stadium, think they have a saying, "We will build it and they will come" 😂
@LynnBrown-w6u3 ай бұрын
considering we played league 2 opposition in the 3rd round of the league cup and sold out in a couple of days, i think a ground with a capacity of around 70k would suffice. a new ground on castle leazes replacing the mod / university buildings seems a logical way forward. The Aramco stadium. sounds good to me.
@michaelmckie91643 ай бұрын
At a weeks notice we just sold out 52k for a league 2 side. Many others missed out in the ballot etc. Lots and lots of younger fans ARE now locked out, banging on about the fact there was free tickets under Ashley is a misnomer. Any work we do would only cater for demand TODAY… if we get better and fan base grows, as is the business model/plan, we are redecorating a 3 bed house when we’ve just had a 4th child. A new 70k stadium with future ability to extend is the only logic. The important decision isn’t if this should be done but where! For me, has to be in the city centre so Castle Leazes is only option really.
@richardlavender13 ай бұрын
My thoughts exactly and nicely articulated.
@BaronSpamedi3 ай бұрын
I'd prefer it built on the Town Moor. Stones throw from the city centre, takes the horrendous traffic away from right outside A&E on match days, and makes good use of a big muddy field. I know there's laws and the Freemen have grazing rights blah, blah, blah. Change the laws as necessary and if the Freemen kick up a fuss, then chuck 'em in jail and sell their cows to Burger King. It would be a hugely important development to the economy of one of the most deprived regions in the country. A bunch of whiney nimby's and cow herders should not be able to stand in its way.
@Youtuber-ku4nk3 ай бұрын
What ever the number will be I think it should be made fairly easily expandable for the future.
@ajmorris323 ай бұрын
The principality stadium in cardiff is what we should be looking at. 74,000 with a retractable roof. Great atmosphere with potential for events all year long 🎉
@andrewharrison77673 ай бұрын
how big? Well completing the extension around 4 sides would take it to around 68 thousand, which has to be the starting point - when the extension was originally built we were second to only Old Trafford, we're now 6th; of those to pass us, only Liverpool are in the same ground. We were close to moving 20 years ago, so it shouldn't be completely ruled out
@AllyBeee13 ай бұрын
New stadium 75k with option to easily expand available, city centre based Leazes Park. Have to look at a stadium capable of other events for PSR purposes. Conference rooms, concerts, events. There is no point moving if the capacity is 65k
@garylea36823 ай бұрын
For me if fans and club has the ambition to challenge then i think a new purpose built 70k stadium is vital for obvious reasons of having more purpose built stadium for different revenue to come in outside of match day and more fans in the ground but also state of the art stadium is a selling point for new players aswell as training facilitys
@Only-Fools-and-Buffalo-Isaan3 ай бұрын
My first game 1974 leazes end,Notts forest in the FA Cup,we need to move on if we could stay town center,i really do think we could get 70 thousand+,great video Craig as always...
@geoffsmith92013 ай бұрын
Canny 1st match 😂😂
@Only-Fools-and-Buffalo-Isaan3 ай бұрын
@@geoffsmith9201 Canny calves Geoff 😂😂
@grahamritchie77553 ай бұрын
I would go with 70K minimum
@MattyConn3 ай бұрын
From a business perspective, it's not just the capacity of the home football they will be taking into account, it will be the potential of hosting international games, concerts, NFL etc. We do need a new stadium, St James' is a wonderful place, but it is so old and dated and there is only so much they can do hospitality-wise with all of the tight concrete corridors. Everyone hates change, but for the sake of future generations, the modern era and an increase in revenue for our club and city, we need to move on.
@willunderhill87833 ай бұрын
60/62k might be enough for today. (I don’t think it is) but any redevelopment of SJP on the site it is on now will take it to the maximum it can ever be. Ask yourself how have attendances grown over the last 30/40 years. They’ve never stagnated and demand has always increased which is why stadiums are getting bigger and bigger. If we extend SJP and spend a billion quid to do it, I think we’ll be regretting it in 5/10 years time as it won’t be enough and we’ll wish we’d have moved somewhere else. Personally I’d like them to build a 70k stadium on Leazes park if they can, or the Arena site which I think could be incredible on the river with the bridges in the background. But even with a 70k brand new stadium it should have room for future expansion so that in 20 years time when 80k stadiums become the norm we’re in a position to be able to do it. Staying at SJP will also create a complete nightmare while they redevelop whilst still playing at the ground. Don’t fancy a season sharing the stadium of shite.
@willunderhill87833 ай бұрын
Also I’m currently 1/14 in ballots. We’ve just played Wimbledon at home and I couldn’t get ticket as it was sold out. Each time I go into the members general sale, I’ve had a place in the queue higher than 20k. If they don’t build it big enough and the kids can’t get in because the old boys in the east stand will never give up their season tickets, we’ll lose a generation of fans.
@joinmeonthedarkside23 ай бұрын
As someone that can't get a ticket Can't always travel the 250 mile journey Can't get time off work regular enough to get either But would be nice a chance of a ticket I'll take 65k if we stay but they need to rotate chances of getting one Now the thing that needs discussing is tv rights if a game is sold out why can't we but it ppv ? More money for clubs sponsors and tv
@ChrisInToon3 ай бұрын
a brand new stadium on castle leazes moor just up the road, it is the only option, about 70-75k capacity.
@robpearson11033 ай бұрын
80,000 brand spanka state of the art stadium, "If you build it, they will come" wont just be for football either would imagine they'd want multi use from it concerts ( nick the big acts from stadium of light) NFL, boxing to name a few it needs to remain as close to the city as possible though so shove it back into Leazes somehow.
@jamesmilligan27973 ай бұрын
The most certain bet before the season started was Wilson & Isak wld be injured at the same time.
@stillbaddad3 ай бұрын
68k would be realistin imo.. When you think about the waiting list for season tickets, I think that number is acheivable week in week out. Would be nice to hear a mass of new voices..
@MediaMinion0013 ай бұрын
65K isn't enough in a PSR world. Even if we build a stadium that's too big for week in week out, the capacity will always be there for when it's needed
@keithbird17223 ай бұрын
We should go for 100,000 with big screens. Music concerts would fill it bringing in revenue.
@therealtaggart40213 ай бұрын
Alright you saying this you don't have to go in a silly ballot for a seat every fortnight.. 70k min
@colinwatts93763 ай бұрын
Why on earth would you spend a billion pounds on a brand new stadium and build it under capacity for decades to come- makes no sense at all. The Saudi’s haven’t come along to be underwhelming like that, somewhere between 70-80 thousand makes much more sense
@davidrobinson27763 ай бұрын
I've been going to St James' Park for 50 years, I love the place but a new ground seems to be inevitable. Nevertheless, it will be a very sad day when we play our last match there. I just wish they could expand the old place, Maybe another couple of tiers on all sides, all covered? Imagine how brilliant that would be? The atmosphere would be amazing.
@micathasteings3 ай бұрын
I agree but it's not possible.sjp the same all the way around would be awesome
@Yossarian_Lives733 ай бұрын
Add standing areas to boost to 75000 for the big games, reduce ticket price for standing
@listey3 ай бұрын
Sounds like a great idea. Where would they play Premier League games though? Or are you assuming relegation to the Championship?
@jamesduffy83813 ай бұрын
That modest increase wouldn’t justify the cost rumoured to be around £1billion to stay where we are. It needs to be 70k minimum
@Nickjwj3 ай бұрын
I’d say at least 200k should do it we are f’n massive 🤣 go big
@jasonpettitt73223 ай бұрын
I think so.ething the size of the signal.iduna in Dortmund would be perfect. I'd also like the same for.at. fully standing end where people who want to stand and sing is 100% needed. Can't be arsed to google it but off the top of my head the capacity there is around 80-82k. Oh and by the way. Price the tickets appropriately and you won't have an issue selling it out.
@owenrichardson14193 ай бұрын
If we are to remain at SJP the only real option is the gallogate stand to be redeveloped. If we are going to enter a considerable period of disruption it would seem sensible to add as many seats as possible. Building over the road (tunnel for traffic) allows the stand to accommodated as many as possible may be 70K would be good but get as many as possible. Living with regret is a cruel thing.
@jaredbowhay-pringle14603 ай бұрын
The redevelopment in the 90s added roughly 16,000 seats. Can't see how just redeveloping the Gallowgate would get us close to 70k
@karl6923 ай бұрын
75-80,000 not everyone can afford season tickets 😢 but would like to go when possible. Some kids may only get a chance on a birthday.
@steve-toon3 ай бұрын
For me 70,000 is the magic number but with caveats that: 1) Around 25% of the capacity increase is corporate to optimise income 2) A small proportion of other seats are "affordable" to maintain access for those who struggle with current prices 3) The club specifically designs things so that the atmosphere is maximised 4) It's a side by side build in Leazes Park, like that Bondibot video
@nicoladolby21543 ай бұрын
I think, given the demand for season tickets, should be 70,000 to 75,000.
@lambertsimnel1003 ай бұрын
My first game was 1986. St James is a special place but we have to have a capacity for 70k.
@ozzy61623 ай бұрын
There seems to be a lot of opposition to building a new stadium within the city unfortunately & continuing to build upwards at St James' isn't a good option either imo. A new stadium is the best option but where to build it is the biggest problem. A new stadium shouldn't be used just for football matches. Like Spurs' new stadium, we could use the new stadium for concerts, boxing and various other events that would boost our revenue. Spurs' stadium capacity is just under Craig's choice of 65K for a new toon stadium - I think anything between 65K & 70K would be fine. Personally I'd also like a one-tier stand like at Dortmund (Yellow Wall), Spurs & now Everton's new stadium. Failing that many more safe standing areas.
@mattytal3 ай бұрын
If we can get 65-70k + modernising + adding corporate etc at SJP then do that otherwise a new 80k statement super stadium.
@OliverHolt-t5r3 ай бұрын
For the club to compete with Man United and Liverpool etc a new stadium with a capacity of 75 000 has to be built. yes it will be sad to leave St James park but it is something that has to be done.
@parallaxview67703 ай бұрын
Craig we just played Wimbledon it was televised and it was a sell out
@8lowsy-3133 ай бұрын
I guess it depends if you want a stadium with the appropriate capacity for now, or 10-15-20 years from now.
@grahamtowler17613 ай бұрын
If the stadium was too large whatever it may be there is nothing worse than a lack of atmosphere and seeing empty seats so it's difficult to predict how much is needed
@beepmac2753 ай бұрын
70 000 for me …we are in the dark about what the demand would be if we do achieve the success our owners are aiming for…if it a once in a generation opportunity best to future proof it..I could be wrong but I sometimes think I don’t see as many children in the stadium as I do at other grounds…and if we are to build our worldwide fan base it would be great for the city and the club to be able to offer package trips ..yeah. I think it’ll be a completely different ball game if we are successful on the pitch …best be prepared.
@markdavison37453 ай бұрын
The trick is creating atmosphere!! We need to be close to pitch or it will be horrible😮
@jazzyb12343 ай бұрын
I agree there is probably a “critical mass” for capacity but if you want to be the known as the best but your stadium capacity is lower than a number of your competitors they’ll always be that little bit of tarnish
@cameronmackay74413 ай бұрын
Given the massive surge in memberships post take over and thus the huge difficulty in getting tickets, id say 70K. Also factor in the need for hospitality growth areas too. For real growth we need to move. Use SJP until build complate and then convert into houseing.
@jonasakerblom26753 ай бұрын
Pointless to build a new stadium and stay at 65k. 20k increase from today is a minimum.