St James Park Sports Fan Tips
St James Park is a venue in or near Newcastle that is most often used for Soccer
Best Pubs around St. James' Park?
St James' Park is a breath of fresh air compared to many other stadiums, as it is literally smack-bang in the middle of town. There are pubs all around the train station which are perfect for away fans: welcoming, great beers and a real matchday vibe. The Lounge and A Head of Steam are really popular, as is O'Neills which is right next to them. The dependable Wetherspoons tends to admit away fans as well: it's called Union Rooms.
How do I get to St. James' Park?
Probably the best option for drivers is to cruise on up to Newcastle College and park there. It's £4 for the day (or the duration of a match, with considerable leeway) and has 400 spaces, so if you arrive nice and early you're virtually guaranteed access. Otherwise there are Pay and Displays all over, since you are in the city centre.The train station (Newcastle Central) is only 10-15 minutes' walk away, though if you want to visit pubs en route, you should arrive a good bit earlier!
Things to check out around St. James' Park?
For a city steeped in as much culture as Newcastle, you could do worse than to make an effort to get to know the city a little. You could try an exciting tour of the Victoria Tunnel which has run beneath the city for over 170 years. No? How about The Discovery Museum? It's full of fascinating information, interactive activities and scientific oddities which will enrapture any audience! Perhaps a more substantial historical outing is what you're after: the Great North Museum of history can provide.
Best restaurants near St. James' Park?
Newcastle FCs own bar is quite something on its own! The food at the NINE Sports Bar & Lounge is actually very high quality and well-presented, and serves food from 10-10 every day! The barmen can whip out tasty cocktails, but all the staples of a sports bar are there too: great beer, darts, pool and football on the TV!If you want to explore the city centre (remember you'll already be there!) then there are countless great places within minutes, so have fun.
Best Food and Drink at 'venue'?
You'll never believe this, but you can get pies, burgers AND hot dogs at Newcastle games! Oh wait, that's the same as everywhere else… The price is about right for a big stadium (£3-4) and the taste is distinctly average. Everything comes in Newcastle FC packaging, which is a pretty cool addition though. Drinks wise, there are some lagers and such available in the stadium. Don't forget your ID!
St. James' Park seating?
If you're a visiting fan with a gammy leg or are acrophobic, I wish you the best of luck! Away fans are tucked up in the top tier of the Sir John Hall Stand, which is 14 flights of stairs tall…However, the mammoth ascent is totally worth it when you see the spectacular views: of course there's the whole pitch and the rest of the stadium, but also the Newcastle skyline is gorgeous by night.The seats themselves are cosy, with loads of room and can't really be faulted!
What to expect from the St. James' Park crowd?
The atmosphere is usually pretty good. When you have 50,000 people in a single stadium, it's not easy to have silence and the home fans don't have any intentions of letting that happen! They are a loud, loud group of people. There's singing, chanting and usually banter between the home and away fans, which is always great to see in the modern game.
Best Insider tip at St. James' Park?
If only there was something on offer at the stadium which could enhance your visit, and really make you appreciate the team you've come to support. Oh wait – there is! St James' is a classy venue, and you can explore it in all its glory with a tour. There's even a trip to the roof involved, so you can get a little adrenaline rush. It's £15 for grown-ups, £12 for concessions and £8 for kids. It won't break the bank, and is a truly memorable experience for any Magpie!