Make-a-killing St. James’ STACK gets extension

Article posted by Coliseum, June 30^th, 2025

Image: St James' STACK on Facebook

Following a momentous first year the City planners have awarded the hugely popular ‘St. James’ STACK – a fan zone and entertainment venue located next to the St James’ Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, UK – Presented By Sela (a destination and experiences specialist)’ an additional five years of planning permission.

‘newcastleunited.com’ stated that the 2,000-capacity fan zone and leisure destination – located beneath the iconic Gallowgate End of the St. James’ Park – was initially granted a three-year planning permission in 2023 before officially opening in 2024.

The St. James’ STACK is a fan zone and entertainment venue located next to the St. James’ Park, the home stadium of the Premier League team – the Newcastle United F.C. It’s a vibrant social space built from repurposed shipping containers offering food, drinks, live entertainment, and events. The venue is a partnership between the Newcastle United and STACK, a leisure and social community hub.

The Newcastle United Football Club is a professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England (UK). The club competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football.

The St James’ Park is a football stadium in Newcastle upon Tyne, England (UK). It is the home of the Premier League team Newcastle United F.C. With a seating capacity of 52,305 it is the eighth largest football stadium in England.

‘newcastleunited.com’ further stated that now, ahead of the first anniversary of its launch, the venue has received the green light to remain on the site until 2031 – giving the football fans, the concertgoers and the wider public continued access to its unique blend of live entertainment, bars and globally-inspired street food.

A Vibrant Social Space

Crafted from 56 repurposed shipping containers the site is collaboration between STACK and the Newcastle United. It has transformed a former car park at the Strawberry Place into a vibrant social space that includes a central plaza, the main stage and large, immersive screens.

The site now employs 175 people and is a base for eight small businesses. It also continues to support the local and national talent with 1,426 stage performances at the venue since it first opened its doors last Summer.

It welcomed 35,000 concertgoers across three days of performances by Sam Fender (English singer, songwriter and musician) at the St. James’ Park.

‘A Fantastic Addition’

Stated Brad Miller, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Newcastle United, “The St. James’ STACK has been a fantastic addition to the City and we’re delighted to receive an additional five years of planning permission. As a dedicated fan zone it has become a huge attraction for the people attending the matches and the events at the stadium. But it’s so much more than that. It has been incredibly popular with the families, it has increased trade throughout the week and it has created vital employment opportunities. It also provides an important revenue stream for the football club that will continue to fuel our growth on and off the pitch. I’d like to thank the team at STACK and our City partners for their support and collaboration. We’re excited to continue our work together.”

‘Phenomenal Response’

The STACK head honcho Neill Winch said the decision to extend planning permission is not only “hugely welcome” but also “a testament to the venue’s role in enhancing the matchday and event experience at the St. James’ Park. This location was always envisioned as a true fan zone – a place where the supporters could come together before and after the games to soak up the atmosphere. But what’s been incredible is how it’s also become a central hub for major events at the stadium, from Cup celebrations to concert weekends like Sam Fender. Being right on the doorstep of the St. James’ Park means we’re perfectly placed to support everything happening there – and the response from the fans and the visitors has been phenomenal.”

The ‘St. James’ STACK, Presented By Sela’ is open seven days a week from 10 am-midnight.

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