The Daily Telegraph has revealed that Newcastle United Football Club is plotting a complete overhaul of its St. James' Park stadium, with a full upgrade of the Gallowgate Stand being the jewel in the crown of the grand plan. The club's ambition is to transform the stand into a giant stand comparable to the "yellow wall" of Germany's Borussia Dortmund, in a bid to greatly enhance the enjoyment of the fans.
The redevelopment of the Gallowgate Stand, a landmark in the history of English soccer, has undoubtedly received widespread attention. It is reported that the new stand will stretch across the back of the goal and will not only accommodate a large number of spectators, but will also incorporate a variety of functional areas such as bars and restaurants, with a view to broadening the club's revenue channels.
According to the plan, the capacity of St. James' Park is expected to increase to about 65,000, which makes it expected to jump up to the second largest club stadium in England, only behind Manchester United's famous home, Old Trafford. The height and size of the Gallowgate Stand is also expected to make it one of the tallest and largest stands in Europe.
However, this reconstruction project has not been without problems. The underground subway tunnels behind the Gallowgate Stand and the buildings around the East Stand have posed a significant construction challenge. In addition, the club is weighing up the possibility of building a brand new stadium on an alternative site to replace the existing St. James' Park ground.
Despite the difficulties, the Newcastle United management are adamant that they are actively exploring the possibilities and plan to listen to their valuable opinions after presenting both options publicly to the fans. Should the club ultimately choose to remain at St. James' Park, the redevelopment of the Gallowgate Stand will undoubtedly be the soul of the project, providing fans with an unprecedented viewing experience.
