Newcastle United face stumbling block attracting NFL games to St James’ Park amid expansion plans

Newcastle United are unlikely to attract NFL games to St James’ Park - as the US sports franchise plans its expansion elsewhere.

The iconic stadium’s future has become a hot topic following the Saudi-backed takeover. Newcastle last expanded at the turn of the century to the current capacity after a new state-of-the-art facility on the Town Moor was blocked.

Football has been played at St James’ Park since 1880, having previously been occupied by Newcastle Rangers and Newcastle West End. The ground is now synonymous with its current occupants and holds sentimental value to every Toon supporter.

However, expanding beyond its current state has proven a conundrum for decades. Architects have long scratched their heads about how to get more bums on seats inside St James’ Park.

Leazes Terrace, behind the East Stand, were built by Richard Grainger in the 1830s and are Grade I listed, meaning they are of “exceptional interest” - and a nuisance for stadium planners. The city’s oldest park, Leazes Park, is also Grade II listed and any attempt to encroach the public space would meet fierce resistance.

The Telegraph claimed in midweek that Newcastle chiefs are planning to increase the venue to at least 60,000 following a feasibility study. This would look at enhancing the Gallowgate End, which faces its own difficulties given Strawberry Place and St James Metro station.

The club surveyed fans earlier this season, asking fans for their thoughts on everything from stadium relocation, how to improve the matchday experience and controversial NFL proposals. But the US sports behemoth is unlikely to branch out to Tyneside anytime soon - with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell revealing in November that their focus is on Spain and Brazil.

“We want to grow to become a real global sport, so you have to play in more markets, clearly,” Goodell told the NFL Network. “We’re looking primarily at Spain and Brazil.

“We are definitely going to play in a new market next year but we’re still debating between the two.“We have made it clear to our ownership that we think this is a unique time in our history and to advance our growth particularly. 

“I think it may be the single most important growth moment in our history. Because we now get a chance to share our game.”

There is also the matter of Tottenham Hotspur, who boast exclusivity for NFL games staged in the UK. That deal is set to expire in 2030 and, hypothetically, Newcastle could trump Spurs when the time comes.

But logistically, that would not make sense for the American football league. Events at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have proven a huge commercial success, with all seven games welcoming sold-out crowds.

The ground was purpose-built, featuring dressing rooms for NFL teams as well as their own retractable pitch. London, as the capital city, also provides a trump card to extending the deal - making any potential venture at St James’ Park unlikely.