Becoming a host city for Euro 2028 would “help put Newcastle on the world map”, excited city leaders say.
St James’ Park was named on Tuesday as one of 10 host venues for the UK and Ireland’s joint bid to host the UEFA Euro 2028 men’s football tournament. Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the 52,000-capacity stadium’s “unique” place in the heart of the city makes it an ideal location.
The Labour MP said: “I am delighted and excited to hear that St James’ has been included as one of the ten proposed venues for the UK and Ireland’s Euro 2028 bid. Newcastle is a real asset for this bid; St James is a unique stadium in the heart of a city incredibly passionate about football.
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“We have hundreds of fantastic pubs, bars and restaurants and an unmatchable hospitality which will make any game hosted in Newcastle a festival of football. I have my fingers crossed that the UK and Ireland win the bid so we can welcome European visitors and fans to this wonderful city.”
UEFA is expected to announce the winning bid in September, with the UK and Ireland’s only competition coming from Turkey – which has lodged a proposal to host the Euros in either 2028 or 2032. St James’ Park is the only North East location included in the final shortlist, with Sunderland’s Stadium of Light having missed out.
Stephen Patterson, chief executive of business improvement district company NE1 said: “Newcastle is well versed in hosting major international sporting fixtures and has a hugely successful track record of delivering world-class events. The city’s business community is geared up and ready to welcome fans from across Europe and will help deliver a fan experience that is second to none.
“Events like Euro 2028 deliver a huge economic boost to the city and wider region, but they also help put Newcastle on the world map, cementing our reputation as a modern, European regional capital city. We have a beautiful city, and events such as these provide a golden opportunity to share that with a global audience. We can’t wait to play our part in delivering a successful European Football Championships and help take the tournament to new heights.”
The Euros would be the latest in a string of major events to come to Newcastle over recent years – including Olympic football in 2012, last year’s Rugby League World Cup opening game, and rugby union’s Heineken Cup final in 2019.
Pam Smith, chief executive of Newcastle City Council, said: “Football has provided some truly memorable moments in recent years, including England winning the UEFA Women’s Euro last summer, and it would be incredible for our city to be part of the journey of the men’s team achieving the same success. Newcastle has an excellent track record of holding elite sporting events, we’re a city that is set up to deliver, and we’re proud to be part of this bold and inclusive bid which promises to bring our nations together and inspire future generations.”
The other host grounds in England are Wembley, the Etihad stadium, Villa Park, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Everton’s new stadium that is currently under construction in Liverpool. The Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Hampden Park in Glasgow, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium and Casement Park in Belfast, which is also awaiting redevelopment, are the other venues being put forward. Manchester United’s Old Trafford is not on the final bid list.
Ian Thomas, destination director for the NewcastleGateshead Initiative, added: “With a strong history of hosting international sporting events, we know this would have a hugely positive impact on the city and it is a really exciting opportunity to showcase our offer on a world stage. The 2015 Rugby World Cup generated £90m for the local economy and international visitors spend six times as much as domestic visitors.
“As a city that is passionate about football and renowned for our friendliness, Europe can expect the warmest of welcomes in Newcastle with unique experiences to explore outside of the tournament. We look forward to the hearing the outcome of the bid.”
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