The truth behind Newcastle United ‘leaked’ St James’ Park seating change

Earlier this week photos emerged from St James’ Park showing a missing section of seats in the middle of the Leazes End.

Reportedly said by a stadium tour guide, the chairs had been taken off-site to be painted. Eventually the refurbished seats would read out NUFC.

However, NewcastleWorld understands, that’s not the story behind the missing seats. Instead, their refurbishment is in relation to the Leazes Sports Bar and UEFA regulations, with the Magpies set to enter the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.

The Magpies, because of said regulations, are being forced to introduce additional hospitality to satisfy the numbers required for UEFA competitions.

The Leazes Sports Bar has undergone a transformation over the summer to offer a premium matchday experience. A small number of season ticket holders have been offered alternative seats to make way for the UEFA delegates for Newcastle’s Champions League matches.

The Gallowgate Club has also been subject to an upgrade, becoming ‘The Rooftops’- said to be the most ‘sophisticated’ and ‘elegant’ of all of the lounges. The new higher-end hospitality suites will help the club grow commercially as well as fulfilling UEFA’s requirements. Safe standing has also been introduced to the Strawberry Corner.