St James' Park
| St James' Park | |
|---|---|
| SJP, St James, Gallowgate | |
 |
|
| Location | St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4ST |
| Opened | 1892 |
| Expanded | 1998-2000 |
| Owner | Mike Ashley |
| Surface | Grass |
| Capacity | 52,387[1] |
| Field dimensions | 110 × 73 yards (100.6 × 66.8 metres) |
| Tenants | |
| Newcastle United F.C. (1892-present) | |
St James' Park is an all-seater stadium in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is the home of Newcastle United Football Club, and the oldest and largest football stadium in the North East of England.[1] It is the sixth largest football stadium in the United Kingdom with a football spectator capacity of 52,387.[1] Located in the centre of Newcastle, its white cantilever roof is visible across the city, and is the largest cantilever in Europe.[2][3]
Occupied by the Toon Army fan-base in the Milburn Stand, the East Stand, the Leazes End and the Gallowgate End, the ground has been the home ground of Newcastle United since 1892, and been used for football since 1880.[1] Throughout its history, the desire for expansion has caused conflict with local residents and the local council.[4] This has led to proposals to move at least twice in the late 1960s,[5][6] and a controversial 1995 proposed move to nearby Leazes Park. Reluctance to move has led to the distinctive lop-sided appearance of the present day stadium's asymmetrical stands.[7]
Besides club football, St James' Park has also been used for international football, will be used as a football venue for the 2012 Olympics[8] and has been chosen by England as a venue for the 2018 World Cup and will also be used as a rugby venue for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. In addition to professional football, the stadium has hosted charity football events and rock concerts, and been used as a film set and for reality television shows.
Contents |
History
Early history
The site of St. James' Park was originally a patch of sloping grazing land, bordered by Georgian Leazes Terrace,[9] and near the historic Town Moor, owned by the Freemen of the City, both factors that later affected development of the ground, with the local council being the landlord of the site.[4] Leazes Terrace was built c1830 by notable Newcastle residents, architect Thomas Oliver and builder Richard Grainger. Once the residence of high society in Newcastle, it is now a Grade 1[10][11] listed building, and, recently refurbished, is currently being used as self-catering postgraduate student accommodation by Newcastle University.[12] The site was also near the gallows of the city, last used in 1844, lending name to the Gallowgate End.[4]
The stadium was first used by Newcastle United in 1892 after the unification of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, although football had been played there since 1880.[1] Local residents opposition to football being played at St James' dated back to the first games in the Football League following the building of the first small stand at the Gallowgate End. A redeveloped gallowgate and further stands followed in 1899, bringing the first official capacity to 30,000 (standing).[4]
While the stadium is now synonymous with the Black and Whites, Newcastle United actually played in red and white at St James' Park until 1904.[13] In 1905, a doubling of capacity to 60,000, with a main stand on the Barrack Road (now Milburn Stand), and major other stands, produced a state-of-the-art facility, even boasting a swimming pool.[4]
The second-ever rugby league test match, and first test victory by Great Britain was played at the ground in 1908 against the touring Australian Kangaroos side on 23 January 1909.
1920–1990
Between 1920 and 1930, plans were drawn up for a double-tiered stand by notable football architect Archibald Leitch. However, after planning disputes, all that was achieved was a small roof over the Leazes Terrace side (East Stand).[4]
In 1958, three supporters attempted to bury a tunnel under St. James' Park so that they could play on the pitch at night. Five days after they started work on the tunnel, it collapsed, killing two of the men.
Up until the 1960s planning difficulties continued, culminating in lack of development of the ground being cited as the reason for failure of Newcastle United to secure the right to host a group stage of the upcoming 1966 World Cup following political disputes.[5]
In the late 1960s further attempts were made to develop the site, and the council proposed a multi-use sports development of St. James' Park. This was rejected for not being financially viable. Plans were drawn up by the club for a move to a stadium in Gosforth,[5][6] or even a groundshare with Sunderland A.F.C. in a new stadium on Wearside.[6] These plans were withdrawn in 1971 after agreement to redevelop St James' Park was finally reached, after mediation by the then Minister for Sport, Denis Howell. In 1972, work started on the East Stand, 50 years after it was last permitted to be developed.[5] In 1978 the Leazes End was demolished, but relegation and financial difficulties meant the new stand was not built.[5]
Investigations following the Bradford City stadium fire in 1985 identified a need to replace the ageing West Stand, which was demolished in 1986. Its replacement, the Milburn Stand, was named in honour of Jackie Milburn and opened in 1987.[14] Further development was again shelved for lack of finance.
Sir John Hall era
Until the early 1990s the ground had achieved only modest expansion under various owners, with plans dogged by disputes and lack of finance due to poor on-field performances. In January 1992 businessman Sir John Hall, who had led the Magpie Group consortium in a hostile takeover of the club, was installed as chairman. Sir John used his experience in property development to rapidly gain approval and invested heavily in the stadium[14] with finances gained from success under new manager Kevin Keegan.
1993 expansion
The Leazes End that had been demolished but not replaced was finally rebuilt, and opened as the Sir John Hall stand for Newcastle's debut season in the Premiership in 1993. The Gallowgate End was rebuilt, the Milburn Stand modified, and a new pitch, drainage and floodlights were installed. With all four corners filled in[13] with seating, by 1995 the stadium had reached a capacity of 36,610.[14]
Proposed Leazes Park development
As the expanded stadium still received full houses due to continuing success of the team led by the returning Kevin Keegan, in 1995, plans were submitted by the club to relocate to Leazes Park to the north. A new £65m[14] purpose-built 55,000-seat stadium would be erected, less than two pitch lengths away from the original, but rotated, which would be similar to the San Siro in Italy.[15] The old ground would be redeveloped to be used by Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, as part of the wider envisaged 'Sporting Club of Newcastle', with basketball and ice-hockey teams purchased by Sir John Hall.
Leazes Park was historically part of the Town Moor, owned by the Freemen of Newcastle,[16][17] and protected by the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Town Moor Act 1988. The City council initially invited the planning proposal amid suggestions that the club might move to a site in Gateshead,[16][17] a 75,000-seat stadium next to Gateshead International Stadium,[18] but it led to political debate[17] and opposition. A pressure group "No Business On The Moor"[15][16][19][17] eventually gathered a 36,000-petition signature,[15][16] equal to the then-current stadium capacity. Opposition also came from a conservation group Friends of Leazes Park led by Dolly Potter.[20] The club proposed to mitigate the loss of the moor land with proposals for a land trade-off with landscaping of land freed up by scaling down of the existing stadium restoring the views of the historic park from Leazes Terrace.[15]
It became clear that the relocation plan would not gain planning permission without a potentially long-running public enquiry.[2][14] To quickly satisfy demand, the club decided to expand the current St James' Park instead.
Freddy Shepherd era
In 1997 Sir John Hall stepped down as chairman (remaining as a director until 2007, now life president of the club), and controversial director Freddy Shepherd became chairman.
1998 expansion
Following the withdrawal of the Leazes Park plan, the club proposed expansion of St James' Park to over 52,000 capacity, through major construction of a second tier over the Milburn Stand, Leazes End and adjoining corner, replacing construction that was itself just four years old.[2] After a refusal by the Secretary of State to take the application to an enquiry, permission was obtained in July 1998.[14] For minimal disruption to seating capacity during construction, the project required 3-day shutdowns of work on home match days. Just 750 seats were lost during construction.[2] During this expansion, executive boxes in the East Stand were demolished[13] and replaced by seating blocks from pitch level up to the existing rows, in a mirror image of the Milburn Stand. The executive boxes were transferred to the new Milburn/Leazes complex, with more added to the Gallowgate End. During development, the additional stand and roof was constructed while leaving the existing cantilever roof intact until the last possible moment[2] These developments increased capacity to approximately 52,143. The construction was completed in July 2000 at a cost of £42 million.[3][14] Ironically, after opposition from local residents to the relocation plan, the expansion of the current ground at the Leazes End has further reduced the view of Leazes Park from Leazes Terrace, although this is now student accommodation.
Save Our Seats campaign
The 1998 redevelopment caused controversy when the club informed 4,000 season-ticket-holding fans that their seat prices would be increased to corporate rates, with the option of paying it or being moved to seats in the proposed expanded sections. Half of these fans were 'bondholders', who had paid a £500 sum in 1994 which they asserted guaranteed them an option on their specific seat for 10 years.[20] Some fans resisted, and after two high-court cases and a Save Our Seats campaign, the club was allowed to move the fans, under an exceptional circumstances clause. As a gesture of goodwill, the club did not pursue the fans for legal costs awarded over their insured limit.[21]
Casino plans
In late 2003 in pre-emption of proposed relaxation of the UK gambling laws, the club signed a deal with MGM Mirage to hand over the land above St James Metro station,[22] behind the Gallowate End, in return for an equity investment, to build a jointly run complex centred on a 1,000 square foot Super Casino.[23] These plans failed when the proposed number of super casinos was reduced to one in the UK, and in January 2008 £5 million was repaid by the club to MGM.
Gallowgate additions
In 2005 the Gallowgate was redeveloped, with a new bar being built beneath the upper tier of the Gallowgate End, named "Shearer's'" after Newcastle player Alan Shearer. During excavation underneath the stand during building work, the builders uncovered the original steps of the old Gallowgate End stand, which had simply been covered up when the stadium was fully renovated in 1993. These steps were removed for Shearer's Bar. The completion of the redevelopment of the Gallowgate saw the creation of Shearer's Bar, an expanded club shop, a club museum and a new box office.
2007 proposed expansion
It was announced on 2 April 2007 that the club intend to submit plans for a new £300million development of the stadium and surrounding areas, to include a major conference centre, hotels and luxury apartments.[24] The proposals also include a plan to increase the Gallowgate End, eventually taking the capacity to 60,000 - matching that of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium opened in 2006, and exceeded (at club level) only by Manchester United's Old Trafford.
This expansion would be funded by the city council and linked to redevelopment of the land behind the stand and over the Metro Station previously earmarked for the casino project. Expansion of the Gallowgate involves difficulties due to the proximity of a road, Strawberry Place, and issues surrounding reinforcement of the underground St James Metro station.
Mike Ashley era
The 2007 redevelopment plans announced under the previous regime were put on hold since the takeover of the club and its plc holding company by owner Mike Ashley.[25] One of the first noticeable changes in the stadium in the new era was the removal of advertising mounted underneath the roofs (facing the crowd) for Shepherd Offshore and Cameron Hall Developments, companies associated with the previous regime. A large advertising sign for Sports Direct appeared on the lip of the roof of the Gallowgate, visible from the pitch. This was criticised by certain fans as 'tacky'.
A full review of the club performed by the new management team concluded that stadium expansion was not a priority. For the start of the 2008–09 season, the away section was moved from the corner of the Leazes stand/Milburn stand to the other end of the Leazes stand where it butts onto the East stand, at the same upper level. The area of seats designated as the family enclosure would be expanded, and certain corporate areas would see markedly increased prising, balanced by the creation of a singing section with reduced prices.
The first home game of the 2008–09 season, at 3 pm on a Saturday, saw the lowest-ever Premier League attendance at the expanded ground, of 47,711,[26] resulting in cash turnstiles. It was speculated at the time that this was due to the credit crunch; however, with the shock departure of Kevin Keegan before the next home game, future changes in attendances would be hard to attribute to this alone. The first game after Keegan's resignation, a league fixture against Hull on 13 September, registered a crowd of 50,242[27] amidst protests against Ashley and Dennis Wise. This was followed by an attendance of 44,935[28] on 27 September in a league fixture against Blackburn Rovers, which followed a record low attendance of 20,577[29] on Wednesday, 24 September in a League Cup fixture, the lowest ever attendance for a competitive first-team match since the 1993 promotion to the top flight,[30] and a drop of over 4,000 from previous lows.
Although Newcastle's crowds inevitably fell in 2009-10 as a result of their relegation and the fact that Britain was still in recession, the Magpies still attracted a modern-day record average attendance for a club at this level with their attendance for the season averaging at 43,383. They also became the first club to attract a league attendance of more than 50,000 at this level in the modern era, and ended the season promoted as champions of the Football League Championship.[1]
Renaming of the stadium
In a statement released on 27 October 2009, Newcastle United announced plans to sell the naming rights for the stadium. After protests about the possible loss of the name of the stadium, which included the tabling of an early day motion in the UK Houses of Parliament, the club clarified the following week that the move would not involve the loss of the name St James' Park altogether, citing the example of 'SportsDirect.com@StJamesPark' as a potential stadium rights package.[31][32] The following day, the club announced that the stadium would be known as the sportsdirect.com @ St James' Park Stadium temporarily until the end of the season, to showcase the idea behind the package, until the new sponsor was announced.[33]
Stadium description
Name
Official names
The Official name of the Stadium is SportsDirect.com @ St. James' Park Stadium but it is more commonly known as St. James' Park, with James' featuring one s and an apostrophe mark, as seen on the signage of the St James' Park steps outside the entrance to the stadium, and signage inside the adjacent Metro Station. The use of an apostrophe is contrast with the name of the Metro station itself, signed as St James Metro station, and with the street signs[34] of the nearby St James Street[35] and St James Terrace.[36] Further, the use of one s and an apostrophe mark differs from the common convention of adding a second s to monosyllabic possessives ending in s, as is the case with the well-known public space in London: St. James's Park.
The full stop after the St giving St James' Park is both included and omitted by many sources, including the club's official website address information.[37][38]
Post-millennium it has been debated both whether the written name should include an apostrophe mark after St James,[34] and, if it does, whether the official written form should include an extra 's' after the apostrophe[39]. Pronunciation of the name with a second 's' sound or not differs between both the local public and journalists, and is similarly debated.[34]
In May 2008 BBC Look North examined the case for adding an extra 's', to denote the ground is "the park of St James".[34] The club stated that the ground is named after its neighbouring street, St James Street, which predates the ground,[34] although it was pointed out the road sign of that street, and that of the adjacent St James Terrace, did not feature apostrophes.[34] The BBC stated that both local newspapers The Evening Chronicle and The Journal write the name with a second 's', reinstating it partially in response to reader complaints after a period of publishing stories without it.[34]
The club insisted the name is pronounced without a second 's',[34] while it was asserted by the BBC that older fans, in particular, pronounce it with two 's's.[34]
A professor of applied linguistics of Newcastle University stated that if a second 's' was added to the name, it has to ultimately be pronounced in speech.[34] The BBC went on to state that according to the Apostrophe Protection Society, if the ground is named as the "Park of St James", the name of the ground is correctly written as St James's Park, with the second 's' pronounced.
Commenting on the written form on Radio Newcastle a week after the BBC story, a different senior lecturer in applied linguistics also of Newcastle University stated that if the name is to denote "the park of St James", the written form should feature an apostrophe, but the use of an additional 's' after it is optional and both are correct.[39]
Match-day programmes printed up until the late 1940s have written the name as St James's Park. According to the club historian, the oldest memorabilia in the club museum refers to the ground as being pronounced without a second 's'.[34] However, a match-day programme dating from 1896, reprinted in the match-day programme of a recent home match against Derby County F.C.[34] (23 December 2007[40]) depicts the stadium name as St. James's Park.[34]
Other sources also support the idea that the name should have no apostrophe as found in the name of the adjacent St James Street[41]
Similar named venues
The current official name is now distinct from the official names of Exeter City's home ground St James Park, and the London Royal Park, St James's Park.
St. Jakob-Park (St James in English) in Basel is named in honour of St James' Park.
Nicknames
Besides its full name, the stadium is known by its initials SJP, or the contraction, St James'. In reflection of the early use of the site, it is also often referred to as Gallowgate, not to be confused with similarly unofficially named Gallowgate End, the name of the south stand.
As a light hearted aspect of the footballing rivalry between Newcastle and Sunderland A.F.C., supporters of Sunderland sometimes refer to St James' Park as 'Sid James' Park', in reference to comic actor Sid James of the Carry On films; while Newcastle fans would sometimes refer to Sunderland's former ground, Roker Park, as 'Joker Park', and Sunderland's current stadium, Stadium of Light as the Stadium of Shite.
Orientation
The stadium has a rough pitch alignment of north easterly. The four main stands are as follows:
- Gallowgate End (officially the Newcastle Brown Ale Stand), at the southern end of the ground, named unofficially for its proximity to the old City gallows, and officially after the long association with the club of sponsor Scottish and Newcastle Breweries;
- Leazes End (officially the Sir John Hall Stand), at the northern end of the ground, named unnofficially for its proximity to Leazes Park, and officially after the club's Life President Sir John Hall; The Singing Section is positioned in Level 7 of this stand.
- Milburn Stand, the main stand, on the west side of the ground. Named after 1950s legend Jackie Milburn
- East Stand, whose name is self explanatory, and the smallest stand of the four. Following the death of Sir Bobby Robson, a plan to rename the East Stand the Sir Bobby Robson Stand (or the Robson Stand) was drawn up. As yet, this has not been made official.
Location
The stadium's location is close to the city centre, 500 m roughly north of Central Station, the main railway station of the city. The stadium is bordered by Strawberry Place behind the Gallowgate, Barrack Road in front of the main entrance, a car park to the north and Leazes Terrace to the East. Further south is St James station, a terminus station of the Tyne and Wear Metro line to the east, although the main Metro interchange strange, Monument station, is situated 250 m to the east.
Architecture
The Milburn stand is the 'main' stand of the stadium, housing the main entrance, lifts and escalators behind a glass fronted atrium. The dugouts and player's tunnel is located in the traditional position of the middle of the main stand.
Behind the seating terraces of the stands, the Milburn/Leazes structure contains 4 concourse levels, the Gallowgate End has three concourse levels, and the East stand has two concourse levels.[1]
The stadium has a lop-sided asymmetrical appearance from the air[7] and from some angles from ground level, due to the discrepancy in height of one side and end of the ground, compared to the others. The height difference of the Leazes/Milburn complex over the other stands allows views of the city centre from many seating positions inside the ground.[42] Further expansion of the Gallowgate End could potentially produce a more balanced horseshoe arrangement of equal height stands, similar to that of Celtic Park.[43]
The Milburn stand and Leazes end are double tiered, separated by a level of executive boxes; The East Stand and Gallowgate End are single tiered, with boxes also at the top of the Gallowgate. The three newest sides, the Milburn Stand, Leazes End and Gallowgate End are of structural steel frame and pre-cast concrete construction.[1] In common with many new or expanded British football stadiums, the traditional box shaped 'stands' were augmented in the 1993 expansion by filling in the corners to maximise available seating,[13] up to a uniform height. The Milburn Stand and Leazes End now rise higher than this level, up to Level 7, inclusive of the joining north west corner, covered by a one piece catilevered glass roof. A further smaller stand section rises above this level behind the Gallowgate End.[1]
The 1998 built steel truss cantilever roof above the Milburn/Leazes complex is the largest cantilever structure in Europe[2][3] at 64.5 metres,[1] eclipsing the 58 m cantilevers of Manchester United's Old Trafford.[3]
Seating layout
The current stadium design offers an unobstructed view of the pitch from all areas of the ground. The Milburn stand is the location of the directors box and press boxes, and the main TV camera point for games televised live on channels such as Sky Sports and BBC, or for highlight shows such as Match of the Day.
Away fans for league matches are usually accommodated in the upper level, in the north west corner,[42] which can hold a maximum of 3,000 fans.[44] However, plans were made at the end of the 2007–2008 season to relocate the away supporters to the far end of the upper level of the Leazes End. This location has attracted criticism due to the poor view offered by being so far from the pitch due the height of the stand, and the 14 flights of stairs to reach the upper level.[42] For FA Cup matches the lower section of the corner is also used.[42]
The traditional home of the more vocal fans is considered the Gallowgate End, in the same vein as The Kop for Liverpool FC. The Gallowgate End is the end that the team attacks in the second half if they win the coin toss. In recent years there has been unofficial fan movement to create a singing section in the Leazes End upper tier, partly to counter the away fans, and partly to recreate some atmosphere lost since the recent expansion over 36,000. This group of fans call themselves the 'Toon Ultras'. Level 7 of the Milburn Stand houses the official Family Enclosure.
Facilities
As well as the normal Premier League football stadium facilities, the stadium contains conference and banqueting facilities. These comprise a total of 6 suites with a total capacity of 2,050, including the 1,000 capacity Bamburgh Suite containing a stage, dance floor and 3 bars, and the New Magpie Room, on two levels with a pitch view.[45]
The stadium houses premium priced seating areas designated into clubs, each with their own access to a bar and lounge behind the stand for use before the match and at half-time.[46] The Platinum Club, Bar 1892, Sovereign Club and the Black & White Club are in the Milburn Stand, and the Sports Bar is in the Leazes End[42]
The Gallowgate End houses Shearer's Bar, effectively another city centre nightspot in Newcastle, accessible only from the exterior of the ground, named in honour of former player Alan Shearer. The Gallowgate also houses a large club shop in partnership with main kit sponsor Adidas, a police station.[1] The Milburn stand houses the main box-office. In the south west corner there is also a cafe and a club museum.
Capacity
The capacity of St James' Park is an often raised subject in football culture, both by supporters of Newcastle and rival fans, due to the stadium being one of the largest in English club football despite the relative lack of trophies won by Newcastle United in their recent history.
The stadium has a maximum football stadium seating capacity of 52,387,[1] making it:
- the third largest club football stadium in England, behind Old Trafford of Manchester United F.C. and the Emirates Stadium of Arsenal F.C.;
- the sixth largest football stadium in the United Kingdom overall when including Wembley Stadium (the national football stadium of England), the Millennium Stadium (the national stadium of Wales), and Celtic Park (a Scottish club football ground);
- the eighth largest stadium in the United Kingdom overall when including the rugby venues of Twickenam in England and Murrayfield in Scotland
Developments since 1993 have ensured the lower tier of seating of the ground still forms a continuous bowl around the pitch, below the level of the executive boxes. This gives a rough illustration of the size of the 1993–98 interior of the stadium, seating approximately 36,000.
As a conservative estimate, the ground has a theoretical maximum seated capacity of approximately 84,000, ignoring planning and design constraints, if the East and Gallowgate stands were raised to the height of the redeveloped stands. This is still low compared to the club record attendance of 68,386[1] in 1930 against Chelsea, when standing was allowed in the top two divisions of English football.
Usage
Professional football
Club football
The stadium notably never featured a scoreboard or big screen of any kind in the modern era (since the 1993 expansion displaced one from The Gallowgate), although in 2007 bright red digital time displays were installed near the corner flags at pitch level. Newcastle United have played their home league matches continuously at St James' Park. A big screen for the stadium was mooted as a possibility as part of a proposed new stadium branding exercise for 2010.[32]
International football
The stadium hosted three matches during Euro 1996. Along with Elland Road it was assigned to Group B, which comprised France, Spain, Romania and Bulgaria.
The stadium was one of several venues used as temporary home grounds for the England team while the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium took place.[47]
St James' Park is set to host some football matches in the 2012 Summer Olympics.[8]
In December 2009 Newcastle was one of the twelve cities to win a place as a host city should England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup be successful then St James' Park would be one of the venues for World Cup matches.[48]
Matches
| Date | Result | Competition | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 March 1901 |  England |
6–0 |  Wales |
British Home Championship |
| 6 April 1907 | England |
1–1 |  Scotland |
British Home Championship |
| 15 November 1933 | England |
1–2 | Wales |
British Home Championship |
| 9 November 1938 | England |
4–0 |  Norway |
Friendly |
| 10 June 1996 |  Romania |
0–1 |  France |
Euro 1996 |
| 13 June 1996 |  Bulgaria |
1–0 | Romania |
Euro 1996 |
| 18 June 1996 | France |
3–1 | Bulgaria |
Euro 1996 |
| 5 September 2001 | England |
2–0 |  Albania |
World Cup 2002 Qualifying |
| 18 August 2004 | England |
3–0 |  Ukraine |
Friendly |
| 30 March 2005 | England |
2–0 |  Azerbaijan |
World Cup 2006 Qualifying |
Pitch
For football use, the pitch has the maximum dimensions of 105 by 68 metres.[1]
Other uses
Rugby Union
The stadium is one of 12 confirmed venues set to host matches of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.[49]
Charity matches
As well as professional matches, the stadiums has been the venue for several charity football matches, including the testimonial matches for Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley. The stadium was also the venue of the final of The Prince's Trust Challenge Trophy, on 14 October 2007, between the Duke of Northumberland and Earl of Durham teams.[50]
On 26 July 2009 St James' Park hosted the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy match, in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, in which the famous Italia '90 World Cup semi-final loss against West Germany, in which Robson's England team were beaten 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, would be replayed featuring players from the original World Cup squads and other special guests.[51][52][53]
Concerts
The stadium has hosted concerts for many famous artists, including The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Queen, Bob Dylan, Bryan Adams & Rod Stewart, among others.
Film and television
The stadium has also been used as an audition venue for the television show The X Factor and also reality television show Big Brother. St James' Park has also hosted the final celebrity matches of the Sky television reality TV show The Match. The stadium was used extensively as a filming location for the film Goal!, as the film follows a fictional player Santiago Muñez who signs for Newcastle.
Sir Bobby Robson tributes
The former Newcastle United and England manager Sir Bobby Robson died of cancer aged 76 on 31 July 2009, five days after having been at St James' Park to watch the England v Germany charity trophy match played in his honour and in aid of his cancer foundation. Immediately after his death, St James' Park became an impromptu shrine to Sir Bobby, with thousands of fans leaving floral tributes, shirts and scarves in the Leazes End for the following ten days. After a private funeral service on 5 August, a thanksgiving service held on 21 September at Durham Cathedral in Sir Bobby's memory was broadcast on two big screens for spectators in the Leazes End.
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 Newcastle United official site Stadium Information page
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 IStructE The Structural Engineer Volume 77/No 21, 2 November 1999. James's Park a redevelopment challenge
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 The Architects' Journal Existing stadiums: St James' Park, Newcastle. 1 July 2005
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Newcastle United official site St James' Park Story, Part 1
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Newcastle United official site St James' Park Story, Part 2]
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 toonarama.co.uk 1970-17 season, 'Stadia'
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 worldstadia.com St James' Park review Aerial photo of stadium and general info.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 2012 Official Site Football locations, retrieved 15 April 2008
- ↑ streetmap.co.uk indicated location of Leazes Terrace (the building, not the street) in relation to St James' Park
- ↑ Telford Hart Quantity Surveyors description of Leazes Terrace project
- ↑ Howard Litchfield Partnership consultants description of Leazes Terrace project
- ↑ Newcastle University Accommodation details for Leazes Terrace
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 stadiums.football.co.uk St James Park info containing a picture of the old East Stand with boxes, a picture of the infilled corner roof sections, and the red and white strip date
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 Newcastle United official site St James' Park Story, Part 2]
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 "Newcastle sign up for stadium battle". The Daily Telegraph (London). 29 March 1997.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 The Land is Ours campaign group newsletter issue 9 July 1997
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 The Independent Newcastle divided as Toon army aim to camp on the moor, 20 December 1996
- ↑ Sunday Mirror Barcelona, Man Utd, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Arsenal and Keegan's..., 13 October 2006
- ↑ toonarama.co.uk 1996 season, 'Summary'
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Conn, David (21 October 1999). "Newcastle's bond holders sacrificed on altar of profit". The Independent (London): p. 2. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/newcastles-bond-holders-sacrificed-on--altar-of-profit-742693.html.
- ↑ United waive fans' court costs BBC News 24 November 2000
- ↑ Stevenson, Rachel (15 June 2004). "Is this the future for UK gambling?". The Independent (London). http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/is-this-the-future-for-uk-gambling-732252.html.
- ↑ Press News Wire MGM MIRAGE and Newcastle United PLC Announce Joint Venture Agreement, 19 November 2003.
- ↑ "Newcastle announce ground plans". BBC News Online (London). 2 April 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/6517989.stm. Retrieved 2 April 2007.
- ↑ Walker, Michael (1 October 2008). "Ashley to slash Newcastle price". The Independent (London). http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ashley-to-slash-newcastle-price-947366.html. Retrieved 24 May 2010.
- ↑ The Independent, Newcastle United 1 Bolton Wanderers 0: Predator Owen strikes as reality bites at Newcastle, 25 August 2008
- ↑ Newcastle 1-2 Hull BBC Sport, 13 September 2008
- ↑ Newcastle 1-2 Blackburn BBC Sport, 27 September 2008
- ↑ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7626827.stm BBC Sport, 24 September 2008
- ↑ Newcastle United 1, Tottenham Hotspur 2 The Journal, 25 September 2008
- ↑ "Stadium name row reaches Commons". BBC News. 3 November 2009. Archived from the original on 3 November 2009. http://www.webcitation.org/5l1S7uaTw. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 "St James' Park name will not be lost altogether, insists Derek Llambias". The Guardian (London). 3 November 2009. Archived from the original on 3 November 2009. http://www.webcitation.org/5l1RxrlXt. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
- ↑ "Newcastle reveal new stadium name". BBC News. 4 November 2009. Archived from the original on 4 November 2009. http://www.webcitation.org/5l2MAD54z. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
- ↑ 34.00 34.01 34.02 34.03 34.04 34.05 34.06 34.07 34.08 34.09 34.10 34.11 34.12 "What's in a name: St James" (embedded video (length:5.02)). BBC News. 29 May 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7426717.stm. Retrieved 11 February 2008. "The apostrophe debate surrounding Newcastle United's football ground continues to get fans heading for their grammar books."
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ "Modern St James' Park in detail". Official club website, Club Factfile page. Newcastle United FC. http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ClubFactfile/0,,10278,00.html. Retrieved 11 February 2008. "Stadium Address: Newcastle United Football Club: St James' Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 4ST"
- ↑ "Newcastle United". Official club website, Tickets section, St. James' Guide. Newcastle United FC. http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/StJamesGuide/0,,10278,00.html. Retrieved 11 February 2008. "General Info, Address: St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4ST"
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 "St James' or St James's?". BBC Tyne. Created 30 May 2005, updated 4 June 2008. http://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/content/articles/2008/05/30/st_james_apostrophe_feature.shtml. Retrieved 11 February 2008. "What's in a name? Should Newcastle United's stadium be St James' Park or St James's Park?...The sign on the wall of the stadium reads St James' Park [this statement contradicts an image used in the article, in which a full stop is included after the St], but is that right?...The question about whether the Toon's stadium should be written as St James' or St James's is certainly a talking point...[Dr Alan Firth, senior lecturer in applied linguistics at Newcastle University]:..."We would say that the apostrophe needs to be there because it's the park of St James. But there's variability, It's optional whether you have s apostrophe or s apostrophe s. You can choose either and both are correct.""
- ↑ Soccerbase.com Head to Head fixtures report Newcastle United versus Derby County, accessed 11 February 2009
- ↑ Leslie, John; Jack Leslie (25 November 2003). "North Of Blackett Street". Down Our Streets: Newcastle's Street Names Explored. City of Newastle upon Tyne Education and Libraries Direcorate, Tyne Bridge Publishing, www.tynebridgepublishing.co.uk. p. 27. ISBN 1857951913. "The burgesses allowed part of this land to be used for building purposes from the 18th century and in 1895 the St James Park Football Ground was built on the Leazes for the newly formed Newcastle United Football Club"
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 42.4 footballgroundguide.co.uk General stadium info page with a picture of the view from the 'away' corner
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Celtic_Park_New.jpg
- ↑ Newcastle United official site Ticket section stadium guide
- ↑ www.conferences-uk.org.uk St James Park conference venue information
- ↑ Newcastle United official site Matchday Prices page
- ↑ "End of the road for England". BBC Sport. 29 May 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6676421.stm. Retrieved 29 May 2007.
- ↑ "bid to host World Cup matches". The Plymouth Herald. 17 December 2009. http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Plymouth-wins-bid-host-World-Cup-matches/article-1613369-detail/article.html. Retrieved 22 December 2009.
- ↑ "England will host 2015 World Cup". BBC Sport. 28 July 2009. Archived from the original on 15 September 2009. http://www.webcitation.org/5joJYpzIm. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
- ↑ www.princes-trust.org.uk Princes Trust Challenge Trophy details
- ↑ Stewart, Rob (24 April 2009). "England Italia '90 team to re-stage Germany semi in aid of Sir Bobby Robson charity". The Daily Telegraph (London). Archived from the original on 24 April 2009. http://www.webcitation.org/5gHWjxqPs. Retrieved 24 April 2009. "Sir Bobby Robson is hoping to settle an old score after England and Germany players who contested the heart-breaking 1990 World Cup semi-final agreed to re-stage the epic game to boost his fund-raising efforts."
- ↑ "Sir Bobby Charity Game @ SJP". Newcastle United FC. 24 April 2009. http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1638348,00.html. Retrieved 24 April 2009.
- ↑ "England v Germany rematch to honour Sir Bobby Robson". Evening Chronicle (Newcastle). 24 April 2009. Archived from the original on 24 April 2009. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2009/04/24/england-v-germany-rematch-to-honour-sir-bobby-robson-72703-23464524/. Retrieved 24 April 2009. "...the match, which will take place on 26 July at St James' Park...As well as reuniting 1990 England players, Sir Bobby is also planning on calling on some other famous guests to add to his team. He said: "I'm very grateful to my former players who are coming up to Newcastle to help us raise money for my charity. I'm also very appreciative of the efforts of the German players who have so much further to travel."
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