‘Unmatchable’: Newcastle MP sends rallying message after huge St James’ Park news

Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah has sent a rallying message of support to the UK and Ireland Euro 2028 bid after St James’ Park was confirmed as one of the 10 stadiums that would host fixtures.

The final list of venues was confirmed by those behind the bid on Wednesday with the stadiums chosen spread across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Ms Onwurah praised the inclusion of St James’ Park from bid organisers as an ‘unmatched’ destination for holding such an event.

Ms Onwurah said: “I am delighted that St James’ Park has been included as one of the ten proposed venues for the UK and Ireland’s #Euro2028 bid.

“#Newcastle has fantastic pubs, restaurants and unmatchable hospitality which will make any game hosted here a festival of football. Fingers crossed!”

The news means that Euro 2028 football will be coming to the North East if the UK and Ireland bid sees off competition from Turkey, but matches won’t be held at the Stadium of Light which was cut from the shortlist of 14.

The full list of Euro 2028 stadiums for the UK and Ireland bid is:

1. Wembley Stadium, London
2. National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff
3. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
4. City of Manchester Stadium (Etihad Stadium), Manchester
5. Everton Stadium, Liverpool
6. St James’ Park, Newcastle
7. Villa Park, Birmingham
8. Hampden Park, Glasgow
9. Dublin Arena, Dublin
10. Casement Park, Belfast

When confirmed yesterday, the news for Newcastle was also commended by NE1.

NE1 represents the interests of 1,400 businesses in Newcastle and Chief Executive Stephen Patterson said: “We are delighted that Newcastle and St James’ Park has been selected as one of the ten host venues for Great Britain and Ireland’s Euro 2028 BID.

“Newcastle is well versed in hosting major international sporting fixtures and has a hugely successful track record of delivering world-class events.

“The city’s business community is geared up and ready to welcome fans from across Europe and will help deliver a fan experience that is second to none.

“Events like Euro 2028 deliver a huge economic boost to the city and wider region, but they also help put Newcastle on the world map, cementing our reputation as a modern, European regional capital city.

“We have a beautiful city, and events such as these provide a golden opportunity to share that with a global audience.

“We can’t wait to play our part in delivering a successful European Football Championships and help take the tournament to new heights.”