Top class stadium (St James' Park (Newcastle United FC))

Member Name: Beanie8844

Product:	St James' Park (Newcastle United FC)
Date:	07/10/08 (101 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: spectacular stadium, large capacity, great atmosphere

Disadvantages: the team aren't playing well this season

St. James' Park is the home ground of Newcastle United Football Club who currently play their football in the English Premier League. The stadium actually opened for the first time in 1892, but it looks a lot different today compared to what it would have done back then. The capacity of the stadium has recently been increased to 52,387 with the addition of an extra tier to the Milburn and Leazes Stands, making it one of the largest football stadiums in Britain. I have been to the ground only once, but was massively impressed by it. We got the train up from London and you can see the stadium as soon as you enter the city, the two new stands towering above the cities skyline. Apparently, the regeneration of the two stands mentioned above has produced the largest cantilever structure in Europe!

It really is a special ground, approaching it is quite breathtaking as it looks as good from outside as it does inside. Once inside, I found it had a feel of the San Siro about it, especially the two new stands as they have been built to a similar design. There is plenty of room between the seats so you have loads of leg room and the tilt of the stands is great enough to mean your view isn't obstructed by the person sitting in front of you.

Are there any further plans to increase the capacity?
You may not believe this given the current state of the football club, but apparently there are plans to redevelop the ground again. The Gallowgate End is to be overhauled and will include apartments, a hotel and conference centre, as well as increasing the capacity to approximately 60,000. However, the plans are subject to local authority approval and as of yet the club have no timescale in place for the venture.

Where are away fans housed?
Controversially, away fans have this season been relocated to the far right corner of the Leazes Stand (behind the goal). This is not a great place to watch the game from because you are extremely high up and can only just make out the players, it also can't be much fun for the players who will hardly here their travelling fans. Saying this though, the sheer size and atmosphere at St. James' Park make it an away fixture many people will like to go too, ok this season maybe a bit different given the current plight of the football club.

Definitely a ground worth visiting.

Thanks for reading.

Summary: you have to see a game here