St James' Park

• Location : St james' Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 4ST
  
• Opened : 1892.
  
• Owner : Newcastle United.
  
• Operator : Newcastle United.
• Tenants : Newcastle United.
  
• Architect : Thomas Oliver.
  
• Capacity : 52.387

St James' Park is an all-seater stadium in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom. It is the home of Newcastle United Football Club, and the oldest and largest football stadium in the North East of England.[1] It is the seventh largest football stadium in the United Kingdom with a football spectator capacity of 52,387. A major expansion begun in 1998 elevated the stadium to the then second largest Premier League stadium, behind Old Trafford. Located in the centre of Newcastle, its white cantilever roof is visible across the city, and is the largest cantilever in Europe.

Occupied by the Toon Army fan-base in the Milburn Stand, the East Stand, the Leazes End and the Gallowgate End, the ground has been the home ground of Newcastle United since 1892, and been used for football since 1880. Throughout its history, the desire for expansion has caused conflict with local residents and the local council. This has led to proposals to move at least twice in the late 1960s, and a controversial 1995 proposed move to nearby Leazes Park. Reluctance to move has led to the distinctive lop-sided appearance of the present day stadium, due to asymmetrical stands.

Besides club football, St James' Park has also been used for international football, and will be used as a football venue for the 2012 Olympics. In addition to professional football, the stadium has hosted charity football events, rock concerts, and been used as a film set and for reality television shows.

History