Newcastle United unveil St James' Park tunnel update
The player’s tunnel at St James’ Park has been updated by Newcastle United.
Newcastle United have given the player’s tunnel at St James’ Park a refresh.
Several changes have been made in and around St James’ Park since the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia completed its £305million takeover of the club in October 2021.
One of the first moves was to change the name of Nine Bar back to Shearer’s, as well as move Alan Shearer’s status on St James’ Park land having previously sat a few metres outside.
The concourses have also been given a makeover, while new hospitality lounges have been installed in the Gallowgate and Leazes End. Meanwhile last summer, the ‘Newcastle United’ lettering on the East Stand was changed back to its traditional typeface having been the same font as Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct.
The latest significant upgrade was the unveiling of the new club store in October as part of Adidas’ return as official kit partner. The multi-year deal - reportedly worth £30million-per-season - is likely to be part of the reason behind the player’s tunnel change, as is the Sela sponsor deal worth £25m-per-year.
The previous design showed supporters wearing Fun88-sponsored Castore shirts, which are now out of date.
The walls on either side of the first set of stairs have been painted black with the words 'we are' plastered in white on both. At the second set of stairs, ‘united’ features on one side with ‘ready’ on the other, alongside updated sketches of Newcastle supporters.
Newcastle players first walked out of the newly-decorated tunnel last week when Eddie Howe's side beat Arsenal 2-0 to reach the final of the Carabao Cup.