St. James' Park has been the home of The Magpies for over hundred years, and it will hopefully be it for hundred years more.
Sir John Hall wanted to build a new super-stadium at Castles Lear, but a woman (of course) started a local protest-group, and it was stopped. At first, I was angry, but now I'm not so angry anymore. When I think of it; St. James' Park has been our home for 118 years, and I don't think it is a good idea to change that. I think traditions are very important for clubs, or else all fans will disappear! Why not increase St. James' Park's capacity to about 45'000 (that's realistic) instead?
1880: Newcastle
Rangers used St. James' Park for the first time for a practice match.
1882: Newcastle
West End used it for the first time.
1889: Wooden
boards laid as terracing.
1899: Capacity
was increased to 30'000.
1901: 35-40'000
supporters was packed into the stadium to see the game between NUFC and
Sunderland AFC. The players escaped, and the pitch became a battleground
between rival fans.
1906: A new
stand was built, seating 4'680, with wardrobes and a little swimmingpool
for the players. Increasing capacity to over 60'000.
1930: Leazes
Park End got a roof.
1948: Concrete
terracing was laid on the open Leazes Terrace side of the Gallowgate End.
1953: Floodlights
used for the first time, vs. Celtic. St. James' was the first first division
stadium to have floodlights.
1958: A 80'000
capacity plan was canceled after disputes with the landlords.
1963: Development
plans blocked, and St. James' Park loses World Cup to Ayresome Park.
St.
James Park in 1969.
1973: The Leazes
Terrace East Stand opened.
1978: Newcastle's
'Kop', the Leazes End is demolished.
1985: A new
development plan is shelved.
1988: The Edwardian
West Stand is demolished, and the Milburn Stand is opened.
1993: The Sir
John Hall Stand at the Leazes End is opened.
1994: The Exhibition
Stand is opened.
1995: Redevelopment
plan to all-seater stadium is completed.
2000: New
"Sir John Hall Stadium" is opened, and St. James' Park closes and becomes
bowling halls?
DEVELOPMENT PLANS:
This is how it can
become, if we keep St. James' Park.
It can have a capacity
of 40'000, maybe 45'000, but that is absolutely maximum.
ST. JAMES' PARK TODAY:
Sir John Hall Stand (North Stand)
The Milburne Stand
East Stand
The Exhibition StandCapacity:
Milburne Stand 6'371
Milburne Stand Paddock 2'338
East Stand 3'575
East Stand Paddock 574
Sir John Hall Stand 11'005
Exhibition Stand 11'955
Family Enclosure 792
TOTAL 36'610