Newcastle United’s qualification for the Champions League is set to bring good times for the wider economy as well as success on the pitch, experts say.
The club made sure of a top four Premier League finish and qualification for the elite European competition on Monday night by securing a point in a 0-0 draw with Leicester City. The result is likely to bring tens of millions of pounds in extra revenue to the club, as well as giving fans the opportunity to see some of the best players in the world.
But entry to the top competition is also likely to bring a number of economic benefits in the wider economy, with city centre businesses seeing a boost on European match days and Newcastle also benefitting from the global exposure of being part of football’s top club competition.
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Staff working to bring inward investment and new jobs to the city have told how the added exposure since Newcastle United’s takeover by a Saudi-led consortium has helped sell the city to overseas markets. Now they are hoping to cash in even more on the club’s success.
Stephen Patterson, chief executive of Newcastle city centre business improvement district company NE1 Ltd, said: “We are delighted that Newcastle United have secured their return to the Champions League after a 20-year absence. It is great news for the club and it is great news for the city.
“Newcastle is a football city and the return to the Champions League will be hugely positive for the city, its economy, its people, and its global profile and reputation. Being in the top flight of European football will not only deliver a dramatic uplift in revenue, it will boost visitor numbers and spend with more home matches played in the city. It will also raise Newcastle’s profile on a national and international stage with Newcastle back among the elite teams of Europe.
“Beyond what it means for the club, the success will have a huge impact on the general atmosphere and vibrancy of the whole city. A successful club, one that’s at the heart of the city centre, delivers for the city beyond the confines of the pitch. Exciting times lie ahead.”
Ian Thomas, destination director at the NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “We are thrilled to see that Newcastle United has secured Champions League football next season. It’s a remarkable achievement that will undoubtedly bolster our city’s global reputation and attract a surge of visitors from around the world.
“The renewed excitement and energy surrounding the football club over recent months has already created an electric atmosphere in our city and positioned us as a premier destination for sports tourism, which we know is a significant driver of our local economy. We look forward to welcoming international fans next season to discover not just the scintillating football but also the unique attractions, experiences and hospitality our city has to offer.”
Newcastle United’s triumphant season comes after the 2021 takeover turned the club from perennial Premier League strugglers to one of the best teams in England. Though investment from the club's new owners has allowed them to buy a number of top class players, manager Eddie Howe has been credited with turning around many of the players he inherited from the formerly under-performing team.
Champions League qualification will help the city build on recent successes in bringing top flight sporting occasions to region, including the rugby union European Champions Cup, the rugby league world cup and Magic Weekend. St James’ Park is also one of 10 stadiums shortlisted for the joint UK and Ireland bid for the 2028 European Championships.
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