NEWCASTLE’s new stadium would have a capacity of no more than 68,000, the club’s CEO has confirmed.
The Magpies are mulling over plans to build a new ground on the Leazes Park site as they look to take the club to the next level.
Newcastle have played at St James’ Park since 1892 and the stadium currently has a capacity of 52,264.
But with the club regularly competing in the Champions League and having huge ambitions, they are keen to upgrade.
Initial plans unveiled showed off a 65,000-capacity stadium but the club’s Saudi owners Public Investment Fund have not yet progressed with those proposals.
For now, the club are focused on plans for a £200million new training ground, according to the Daily Mail.
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Newcastle chief David Hopkinson spoke about the club’s stadium proposals this week and said they were undecided about the next steps.
He said the Magpies could end up deciding to extend the existing St James’ Park.
But he said the club had a modelling system for any new stadium and agreed that 68,000 would likely be the limit, despite fans craving a much larger ground.
He told talkSport: “We haven’t made the final decision on what we’re going to do here, we are working on this every day, deciding whether it’s here or a new site, where it’s a renovation or new stadium.
“But we’ve got an opportunity we’re pursuing and working on every day.
“All of our modelling and all of the capacity starts in the 65-68,000 range.
“I don’t think bigger than that is good but we also want to think if we do something, it’s material and significant. 10-15,000 in here would be right.”
Hopkinson insisted the club wouldn’t want to move too far away if they did build a new stadium away from St James’ Park – but admitted they could end up “doing nothing”.
He added: “I think a new stadium is something we’re considering, but not really moving that far.
“We don’t want to be in some farmer’s field out in the middle of nowhere. What makes Newcastle so special, such a special place, is that St. James’ Park is right here in the centre of town makes sense.
“Doing nothing is always an option, I just don’t think it’s the most intelligent option.
“We’ve got the support from ownership on what is the best way forward is. We haven’t decided that yet.”
Newcastle have come a long way in recent years since PIF took over from Mike Ashley in 2021.
They have qualified for the Champions League twice during that time and won their first trophy in 70 years by lifting the Carabao Cup last season.
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