Discover the ultimate guide to St James Park, your go-to resource for a memorable first visit to the iconic home of Newcastle FC.
St. James Park has been the home ground of Newcastle FC since 1892. It has a seating capacity of just over 52,000 making it one of the largest football stadiums in England.Whether or not you're a member of the 'Toon Army', there's no denying that St James Park is perfectly situated in the city centre, making it probably the easiest stadium to reach in the UK.
This also means there are a number of pubs near St James Park but if you're looking for an authentic Geordie experience, you can stop in at Shearer's Bar, inside the Stadium itself.If you're a fan looking for some authentic team gear in Newcastle, shop at the official NUFC store to find replica strips, souvenirs, memorabilia and much more.
While we're talking shopping, Newcastle tickets have never been easier to buy since the team's gone fully digital - all you need is a smartphone to download access to the matches of your choice.
For those planning to stay over, there are any number of
hotels near St James Park.
Kabannas Newcastle is also only 15 minutes' walk from the stadium, offering you the best in comfort as you and your friends dissect the latest match long into the night.
Grab your Tickets
For the 2023/2024 season St James Park is switching to a digital ticketing system using NFC (Near Field Communication). This is the same tech used by Apple and Google Pay, so you'll need access to a smartphone.
After that, check out the
official Newcastle United website to find out when tickets go on sale. This is done via a ballot process for members. After the ballot period closes, a ticket forwarding and resale listing will be made available for Season Ticket holders. Any tickets listed for resale are then offered to Members for purchase.
Getting to St James Park
Since it's located in the city centre, St James Park is actually one of the most accessible stadiums in the United Kingdom.
If you don't drive, simply hop on a train to Newcastle Central Station. From there, the stadium is just a 10 minute walk. St James Park is also only around five minutes on foot from the Monument Metro station and most of Newcastle's central bus stops.
The official website recommends using public transport to reach the stadium, as there's no unreserved, dedicated parking close by. If you're travelling by bicycle though, there 35 'Sheffield stands' located around the stadium for you to lock up while you enjoy the match.
The Matchday Experience
Why just go to a football match when you can be pampered with a bespoke 'Matchday Experience'?
If you have friends or family who inexplicably aren't that into football, don’t disown them just yet, because this is the perfect way to ease them into it. Start by choosing from an exclusive private box or one of the stadium's modern lounges.
You can also tailor your experience to include delicious food made using locally sourced ingredients, as well as book post-match entertainment.
Prices start from as little as £65+ VAT per person. Further details are available from
Stop off at the Store
The official Newcastle United Football Club shop can be found inside St James Park stadium itself.
As you'd imagine the shop offers a huge range of official merch like mugs, souvenirs and memorabilia. Although you can always pick up replicas of the latest strips, the shop also sells reproductions of retro shirts as worn by the likes of Gazza and Shearer. Clothing is available in all sizes for men, women and children, so don't be afraid to bring the whole family. You can also pick up non-NUFC-specific goods like training kits, leisurewear and football boots.
Take a Tour
As stadiums go, St James Park offers the very best selection of tours. If you want to go mainstream, the 'classic' tour allows you to explore the ground's rich history. Tour guides can escort you around favourite sites like the players' tunnel, as well as the press room where the Manager holds forth on match days.
If you prefer a Magpie's view, book a 'Rooftop' tour for you and your group. A special guide will help you ascend a walkway 150ft above the ground, where you can take in the jaw-dropping views of Tyneside across four different view platforms.
Tours can't be booked on match days themselves. Visit the
stadium tours section
of the NUFC website to find out more.
Share a drink at Shearer's Bar
If you need to wet your whistle before the match, make sure to stop by Shearer's Sports Bar, located in St James Park itself. Not only will you be spoilt for choice by the wide range of beers, wines and cocktails but Shearer's also does a very respectable Sunday lunch. For football fans who want a more intimate setting, private booths are available for hire.
You can even hire the whole bar for a private event, for up to 150 people for a dancefloor event or up to 220 for a staged event.
Grab some supper at Soho
There's nothing worse than going to a match on an empty stomach - except maybe leaving a match with one.
Whether you want a quick brunch or a full-on dinner Soho offers a number of delicious Japanese and Korean fusion dishes. Soho prizes quality over quantity, with a range of small plates including Robata Grill, Sushi & Seafood. However larger dishes are available for those who've worn their eating boots.
The restaurant is also located along Leazes Park Road, just opposite the stadium, making it an easy stop off on your way to or from St James Park.
Visit
Soho's website
to view menus and make your reservation today.
When full time finally comes around, your dream pad awaits at Kabannas Newcastle, a mere 5-minutes from Grey's Quarter. This makes Kabannas perfectly placed for football fans, as we're less than 15 minute's walk from St. James Park.
If you're travelling with fellow footie fans, we have
suites that can host up to 14 pals,
boasting not one but two bathrooms and a lounge area featuring a Smart TV. If you need a little post-match peace and quiet, make sure to dive into our double rooms – each decked out with an ensuite bathroom and free towels, ensuring you're pampered in privacy.
Why wait? Seize the moment and
book your footy escape in Newcastle today!
