Description
Click on Image to view a larger version
Besides its full name, the stadium is known by its initials SJP, or the contraction, St James’. In reflection of the early use of the site, it is also often referred to as Gallowgate, not to be confused with similarly unofficially named Gallowgate End, the name of the south stand.
As a light hearted aspect of the footballing rivalry between Newcastle and Sunderland A.F.C., supporters of Sunderland sometimes refer to St James’ Park as ‘Sid James’ Park’, in reference to comic actor Sid James of the Carry On films;
The stadium has a rough pitch alignment of north easterly. The four main stands are as follows:
à Gallowgate End (officially the Newcastle Brown Ale Stand), at the southern end of the ground, named unofficially for its proximity to the old City gallows, and officially after the long association with the club of sponsor Scottish and Newcastle Breweries;
à Leazes End (officially the Sir John Hall Stand), at the northern end of the ground, named unnofficially for its proximity to Leazes Park, and officially after the club’s Life President Sir John Hall; The Singing Section is positioned in Level 7 of this stand.
à Milburn Stand, the main stand, on the west side of the ground. Named after 1950s footballer Jackie Milburn
à East Stand, whose name is self explanatory, and the smallest stand of the four. Following the death of Sir Bobby Robson, a plan to rename the East Stand the Sir Bobby Robson Stand (or the Robson Stand) was drawn up. As yet, this has not been made official.
The stadium’s location is close to the city centre, 500 m roughly north of Central Station, the main railway station of the city. The stadium is bordered by Strawberry Place behind the Gallowgate, Barrack Road in front of the main entrance, a car park to the north and Leazes Terrace to the East. Further south is St James station, a terminus station of the Tyne and Wear Metro line to the east, although the main Metro interchange strange, Monument station, is situated 250 m to the east.
The Milburn stand is the ‘main’ stand of the stadium, housing the main entrance, lifts and escalators behind a glass fronted atrium. The dugouts and player’s tunnel is located in the traditional position of the middle of the main stand.
Behind the seating terraces of the stands, the Milburn/Leazes structure contains 4 concourse levels, the Gallowgate End has three concourse levels, and the East stand has two concourse levels
