St. James’ Park: A Proposal

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When St. James’ Park is rocking it’s the best place in the world. But it’s in need of a shake up with regards to seating arrangements.

Currently, it is mainly supporters in the Strawberry Corner who try and stir up an atmosphere on match days.

In the past, particularly before St. James’ was extended in 2000, chants and songs would often start from different sides of the ground.

But now the mindset of many fans - for example in the vast Leazes End - is very different to a number of supporters in the Strawberry Corner. 

That is to say, some supporters go into the stadium to have a good old sing-song, regardless of the score, and will get a buzz out of creating an atmosphere. That’s how they enjoy the match and their weekend.

It seems for others spontaneity is a no-no and it isn’t in their make-up to just shout UNITED out of the blue. The preference instead is to quietly and staunchly watch games through an analytical lens. And perhaps showcase / express that analysis passionately on social media instead.

NUFC has a duty to cater for all types of supporters yet the balance between these two can feel uneven within the seating arrangements, as many fans don’t seem to gel with more vocal supporters.

This issue doesn’t seem to be unique to Newcastle United. But the bottom line is there should be more areas within St. James’ Park where supporters can buy a ticket and feel at home spontaneously shouting and chanting.

The ground needs a section opposite the Strawberry Corner that compliment their efforts. This would help the noise travel around more and give vocal supporters a greater opportunity to attend matches, particularly general sale supporters / members.

It’s likely there are pockets of vocal supporters dotted around the stadium but surrounded by fans who have an opposite approach as to how they engage with the match.

If the club sent survey’s out to all season ticket holders and identified who would prefer being amongst more spontaneous, like-minded supporters this would give a better understanding of the most achievable location.

Planning this now may give the club a chance to implement these changes for the start of next season 24/25.

NB

This website was first drafted 22nd October 2023. Published 25th November 2023.

Updated 27th December 27th 2023.