Newcastle United 'invest significantly' in St James' Park upgrade ahead of 2024-25 season

Newcastle United are making some small changes to St James’ Park after outlining their commitment to enhance the matchday experience.

Key figures at Newcastle - including chief executive officer Darren Eales, chief commercial officer Peter Silverstone and chief financial officer Simon Capper - met with the Fan Advisory Board (FAB) after the final home game of last season against Brighton & Hove Albion. And minutes released from the meeting confirmed that the club have upgraded the PA system with new speakers in several areas of the stadium. Newcastle have also committed to “investing significantly” in improving 5G connectivity from next season.

The update came via Sarah Medcalf, who is the head of supporter services.

The minutes read: “The club is incredibly proud of the unique atmosphere generated by fans at St. James’ Park and is keen to support this. The club therefore held a matchday atmosphere workshop recently, and SM provided an update:

• The club appreciated the input of so many supporters at the workshop.
• The club has since upgraded its PA system, with new speakers in several areas of the stadium.
• The club has committed to investing significantly in improved 5G connectivity, and this will be installed next season.
• Initial ideas from the workshop are being discussed internally but the club welcomes further feedback from the FAB.”

It was also revealed that Newcastle are working with an external agency to explore how the matchday experience could be improved further. This will be brought to the FAB for consultation and discussion.

Meanwhile, Eales confirmed the St James’ Park feasibility study is ongoing. Newcastle called on world leading architects last year to look at ways to expand the 52,000-seater stadium.

“We haven’t had the final report on the feasibility study," Eales told FAB. "After the club and its owners receive the report and discuss it, the fan advisory board will be the first group we consult. At this time, no results have been received and no conclusions have been reached."