Let’s bring more crowd-pleasers
CLUB BOSSES KEEN TO HOST BIG MUSIC EVENTS AT ST JAMES’ PARK
NEWCASTLE United is keen to host more gigs at St James’ Park, the club’s managing director has confirmed.
More than 150,000 fans descended on Tyneside in June for Ed Sheeran’s trio of performances – the stadium’s first in four years.
Now Lee Charnley has said he is “definitely” keen to bring more music shows – and other sporting events – to St James’ Park.
Mr Charnley told The Chronicle: “It’s something we’re conscious of, both because it clearly makes commercial sense for the football club and because of the impact it has on the city.
“If you look at what happened with Ed Sheeran and how successful it was, how many people it brought into the city for three nights – you can see the benefits of that for the area.
“We’re very aware of our responsibility to the city.”
He added: “I’m conscious that we have got a stadium that’s only in use 21-23 days a year.
“There’s a really strong drive and motivation from my side to see how we can utilise that when it’s not in use for football matches.
“We’ve got the staff expertise and capability to host world-class events – whether that’s sport, music or others.
“We’re keen to see what other major events can we bring here to benefit the city.”
Newcastle is also gradually becoming one of the most important places on the rugby map.
The news last month that St James’ Park will host the opening game and ceremony of the Rugby League World Cup in 2021 has cemented its reputation as a big hitter in the sport.
Mr Charnley said: “It’s something we have worked incredibly hard on over the last few years and I think you can see what happens when you have strong partnerships.
“Through our relationship with the city council and Newcastle Falcons, what we have managed to achieve collectively is effectively turn this city into an internationally recognised venue for rugby.”