St James’ Park signs removed and replaced by Newcastle United - Watch here
Another change has been spotted outside St James’ Park, with some familiar Newcastle United signage removed and replaced as the club continues its push to modernise the stadium.
The latest changes have taken place at the steps leading up to the Leazes End from Barrack Road, removing a piece of the stadium that has been familiar to supporters for decades.
Classic badge and ‘St James’ Park’ text removed
The classic 1988 Newcastle United badge and ‘St James’ Park’ text have been removed from the steps coming up to the Leazes End off Barrack Road.
The iconic old badge has now been replaced by a black symbol, which presums to be a new stadium logo, alongside new ‘St James’ Park’ lettering.
See a video of the changes below, captured by North East writer for the Shields Gazette, Dominic Scurr.
Another modernisation move - or more to it?
Alongside the modernisation factor, it feels like the stadium is being branded separately if it’s got its own logo. That would open some more doors commercially too, which would make sense given the current focus of the club.
It is the latest in a long list of changes being made around St James’ Park, with Newcastle United investing heavily in the stadium over recent months.
The club unveiled its new badge last week, while this summer has also seen a brand-new pitch, upgraded floodlights, new replay screens, a £10m hospitality transformation and ongoing work to improve 5G connectivity for fans.
There is no doubt that modernising the stadium and improving the matchday experience is important, particularly as we continue to grow both on and off the pitch. But it does raise an interesting question: can you modernise St James’ Park without slowly removing some of the history and heritage that makes the place so special?
The old badge on those steps was only a small detail, but for generations of fans, these familiar sights are part of what makes the stadium feel like home.
Modernisation is inevitable and this could be another commercial move, but hopefully there remains a balance between looking forward and remembering what came before.
