St James’ Park to fall further behind as Newcastle United rival announces 53,000-seater stadium
Leeds United have announced plans to expand Elland Road to a 53,000-seater stadium - the eighth largest in English football.
The move would see the Whites leapfrog Newcastle United given St James’ Park’s 52,000 capacity. When redeveloped in 2000, the iconic Tyneside venue was the second biggest in the Premier League but that ranking has slowly diminished over two decades.
The likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have all relocated to leapfrog the Magpies in recent years. When Everton move to Bramley-Moore Dock next season, they will also pip St James’ Park by 500 seats.
This would leave Newcastle trailing the opposition in terms of home attendances - a frustration for the Toon heirarchy given the FFP/PSR climate. A stadium expansion - or possible relocation - has been a hot topic on Tyneside since the Saudi-backed takeover.
United conducted a six-month feasibility study which reportedly concluded that St James’ Park could be boosted to 60,000 seats despite the logistical constraints. Darren Eales insisted in July that results from the report were imminent - but fans continue to wait.
Earlier this year, the i claimed that Toon chiefs have contacted world-leading architects given the enormity of the task. As for Leeds, they are already in experienced hands given their San Francisco 49ers connections.
The NFL franchise bought out the club completely in 2023 and built the 68,500-seater Levi’s Stadium a decade ago. Paraag Marathe, the Leeds chairman and 49ers president, told the club website: “We recognise how important Elland Road is to Leeds United fans and the wider community. The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium is unprecedented.
“Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road.”