English: St James' Park, view across Newcastle University to Civic Centre and beyond. – St James' Park has the highest stand in the United Kingdom, visible from all parts of Tyneside. Newcastle United have played here since 1892. The stadium has two high sides, to the north and west, with lower stands to the south and east. The reduction in natural light was not a success for the grass, which died and the pitch had to be relaid two or three times a season. This problem has been resolved with
under floor heating, and
movable halogen lighting to keep it bright all night if necessary, here being readied for deployment. A good result. The turf looks splendid. This shot was taken from the top back row in the west, Milburn, stand. The Leazes end is on the left, Gallowgate end out of shot to the right. The east stand cannot be extended due to its close proximity to Leazes Terrace, a listed terrace of stone dwellings, now used as offices. In earlier days football fans would stand on the roof of this block, and hang out of windows, to watch the matches! The cantilevered stand is currently the largest in Europe. Beyond the stadium are Newcastle University buildings, with red brick at the core, originally King's College of Durham University. Beyond them is Newcastle's 1960's Civic Centre. By the time some viewers will be seeing this picture the Stadium may be called the Sports Direct Arena - or something else. It will provide welcome work to rebrand the roof and other parts of the ground! For old Geordies it will always be St James's Park. That apostrophe has been contentious for decades!