Unrecognisable St James' Park footage shows major Newcastle United upgrade for 2026/27 after £30m investment
Fresh footage from inside St James’ Park revealed the extend of the changes taking place in Newcastle United’s home stadium.
It’s fair to say Newcastle United’s pitch at St James’ Park is not currently playable, far from it in fact.
Last month, the club announced that the pitch would be undergoing a full rebuild for the first time in over two decades. The old St James’ Park pitch has been dug up entirely and lowered by around 3ft.
As part of the changes, a new state-of-the-art aeration and water extraction technology will be installed along with a new under-pitch heating system. The Gazette understands that the infamous ‘slope’ of the St James’ Park pitch will remain despite the changes, though won’t be as pronounced as it was previously.
Fresh footage shows St James’ Park building site
Footage released by Newcastle supporter @GallowgatePete on X from inside St James’ Park this week showed the extent of the pitch work taking place.
The pitch looks unrecognisable as it has been entirely dug up and the new under-pitch systems are being installed. Heavy construction veichles could be seen on the area formerly known as the St James’ Park pitch as the extensive work continues over the summer.
But those are just a few of several upgrades taking place at St James’ Park during the summer.
New floodlights and LED screens at St James’ Park will be in place for the 2026/27 season while a new safe standing area in level seven for home supporters will be installed.
The club also announced improvements to the club’s Darsley Park training centre, which will be rebranded as The KNOX next month. The women’s training ground at Cochrane Park has also had upgrades confirmed with the club’s total investment into improving its existing infrastructure standing at around £30million.
Newcastle United ‘cannot stand still’
On the investment, Newcastle CEO Hopkinson said: “This investment is happening because progress at this club cannot and will not stand still.
“Sustained growth isn't about any one moment or any one decision. It's about consistently moving forward, raising standards and building momentum every single year. Whatever longer term decisions we make, one thing never changes and that's our ambition.
“That's why we're investing and that's why we keep pushing forward. The bigger questions about this stadium and our training ground will be answered in their own time.
“What matters today is the work already underway. Because everyone who walks through these gates deserves a club that keeps moving forward.”