Newcastle United’s long-mooted new stadium project once looked set to take inspiration from one of Europe’s most striking arenas, Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, with plans for a 65,000-seat stadium styled on the Bayern ground reportedly discussed at high levels, but ultimately shelved, sources say.
Journalist Craig Hope outlined the saga on talkSPORT’s Inside The Toon, detailing how the grand plan was expected to be the future home of the Magpies before progress stalled.
According to Hope, early discussions suggested “all roads led to a new 65,000-seater ground in the style of the Allianz Arena,” a blueprint backed by internal figures and analysts brought into feasibility talks.
But despite an “imminent” announcement touted by former CEO Darren Eales, the project never materialised as the Saudi owners reportedly withdrew their backing and ordered further studies before committing.
“They were waiting for the Saudis to give the green light… that wasn’t forthcoming,” Hope explained.
Hope reveals Newcastle plans and supporters frustration
The last time a renovation occurred at St. James' Park was between 1998 and 2000, and since the Saudis took charge of the club in 2021, there have been plans for a new stadium, and Hope revealed the details.
“They had bubble wrap with a Wembley Way-style walk-up, and every source I went to was convinced this was the avenue they were going to commit to,” Hope said.
“This was a year ago. Now, that wasn’t forthcoming, and what we are led to believe is that the Saudis didn’t follow through with what we expected them to do.
Over four years after taking over, the Saudi Arabian PIF are yet to build a new stadium to replace St. James’ Park, while the team still uses the same training ground as well.
The lack of visible progress has fuelled growing frustration among supporters, a feeling Hope admits he shares.
“Infrastructural investment, training ground, stadiums and regeneration, all fall outside of PSR, so they can’t use that as an excuse,” Hope noted.
“If I’d told you four and a half years ago that we’d be sitting here with no new training ground, no new stadium, no regeneration, not even a spade in the ground or concrete plans, you wouldn’t have believed it.”
Hope suggested the issue is not solely about construction timelines, but about intent and messaging.
“I think they’ve missed a trick,” he continued. “You don’t even have to build the training ground immediately. An announcement alone would send a statement to the players already at the club and to potential signings about the ambition here.”
He also pointed to the current facilities at Benton, claiming they lag behind much of the division.
“The players report every day to a training ground that’s probably in the bottom six or seven in the Premier League, yet this is a club that says it wants to be number one in the world.
“So yes, I’m surprised, disappointed and frustrated that there hasn’t been any tangible progress on either the training ground or the stadium.”
FGG Says
What’s frustrating for fans is not just that the Allianz Arena-inspired idea fell through, but that infrastructure promises have repeatedly stalled while rivals invest both on and off the pitch.
A modern, larger stadium is a statement of identity, revenue strength and competitive longevity. Newcastle fans deserve clarity, ambition and follow-through, not perpetual feasibility studies. Whether that means expanding St James’ Park or embarking on a new build, the club must move beyond talk and give supporters something tangible to cheer about off the pitch too.