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It is very clear that Newcastle United need a bigger stadium, and they are going to get a bigger stadium.

However, the big debate is whether Newcastle United will expand St James’ Park or build an entirely new ground.

Ever since the change of ownership, it has been clear that St James’ Park is not big enough. Tickets are extremely hard to come by, with thousands of supporters missing out on the chance to watch their beloved Newcastle United.

In a perfect world, the club will be able to make St James’ Park bigger. However, it is not that straightforward. A stadium expansion will be very complicated and challenging due to the listed buildings next to the ground, while it would also be very costly.

It has been reported that Newcastle might have to pay up to £1billion to increase the capacity of St James’ Park. Following that report, some Newcastle fans have come round to the idea of a new stadium being built.

What capacity St James’ Park could have if Newcastle decide to expand

The club need to consider what size stadium they want. The sky would be the limit with a completely new ground, but you do not want a stadium so big that it is not full every week and has a poor atmosphere.

But the sky is not the limit when it comes to making St James’ Park bigger. It already holds 52,000 people, and now the Telegraph have shared details on how big it could become if Newcastle decide to go down the expansion route.

According to the Telegraph, Newcastle have received stadium expansion plans that would increase the capacity of St James’ Park to around 65,000. The plans would see the Gallowgate Stand and the East Stand rebuilt, as well as modernisation work on the Leazes End and the Milburn Stand.

That would mean 13,000 more fans, and the club must decide whether or not there is the appetite and demand to get even more supporters than that through the door.

If they think there is then a St James’ Park expansion might not be the best option. PIF are considering a new stadium for Newcastle, as they take a ‘methodical’ approach to a decision that could be made in early 2025.

Eddie Howe gives his view on how big St James’ Park needs to be

Ahead of Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with Everton, Eddie Howe spoke to the media.

He fielded multiple questions about the stadium situation, with Howe admitting that his ‘natural instinct’ would be to stay at St James’ Park.

The Newcastle United manager was also asked how big he thinks St James’ Park needs to be.

“Conjuring a figure is difficult,” he said.

“But the demand is there. You could almost have whatever size stadium you want to a degree and it would be full.

“Whenever you build a stadium, you don’t want to see empty seats. You want to see the stadium full of people.

“When you go back to the game on Tuesday against AFC Wimbledon and you see a sold out venue, you see the appetite from Newcastle United fans to come and watch the team play. That is a magnificent starting point.”

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