In recent times, St James' Park has returned to its former noisy, exuberant self. For too long it has been quiet and subdued.
After 14 largely joyless years under the former owner, the recent Newcastle United takeover has given fans hope of a bright long-term future (no matter what the end of this season might bring).
Perched cathedral-like on a hill, the stadium is special because of its proximity to the city centre, while so many other football clubs have moved home and now reside in soulless out-of-town locations.
