Major St James’ Park changes on show ahead of Newcastle United v Aston Villa

Sections of St James’ Park have undergone change during the Premier League off-season.

Newcastle United and its supporters returned to home surroundings last weekend for the first time since officially securing Champions League football on May 22.

Over 70,000 fans passed through the turnstiles as the Magpies hosted - and lifted - the Sela Cup following back-to-back wins over Fiorentina and Villarreal.

And those in attendance will have likely noticed the stadium’s latest development with an extended section of safe standing on show.

Expanding on the existing safe standing in the upper tier of the Leazes End, i.e. the away section, roughly 3,000 capacity now hosts the required railing.

The same goes for the South East Corner - otherwise known as the ‘Strawberry Corner’ - albeit on a lesser scale of approximately 1,800.

Newcastle announced in March some safe standing was being installed as part of an initial trial period ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League and Champions League campaign.

“Newcastle United can announce that licensed standing - commonly known as ‘safe standing’ - will be introduced at St. James’ Park as part of an initial trial period at the start of the 2023/24 season,” a club statement read.

“A designated licensed standing section with space for approximately 1,800 home supporters will be installed in the South East Corner of the stadium and will include the lower section of block B and the upper sections of blocks C, D, E and F. A similar provision will also be installed for visiting supporters on Level 7 of the Leazes End.

“The trial follows a supporter consultation process, during which more than 4,000 fans responded to an online survey - with 70 fans attending a subsequent working group session at St. James’ Park to provide more detailed feedback.

“Of those surveyed online, 75 per cent were in favour of licensed standing being introduced at St. James’ Park - with the South East Corner and Gallowgate End identified as the preferred location by more than 70 per cent of respondents.

“The club has also continued to monitor existing trials at other stadiums in England, with licensed standing areas successfully installed and safely managed at Wembley and a number of Premier League grounds with the support of the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA).”

Meanwhile, the Leazes Sports Bar has undergone a revamp over the summer to include corporate leather seats. Existing season ticket holders in that section have been relocated.

This change was confirmed by the club in a letter to affected season ticket holders

“We can announce that the Leazes Sports Bar will undergo a transformation this summer, with a new facility in its place offering a premium matchday experience,” the letter read.

“Unfortunately, this means your existing seat will need to be relocated for the 2023-24 season onwards, and we would like to speak with you to explore your options together.

“Your eligibility to renew your existing season tickets in a new location is not affected. Please note that your ticket price may be subject to change (an increase or decrease), dependent on the new location selected.”