An iconic North East football stadium and city have been selected as destinations to host Euro 2028 as part of the UK and Ireland's bid.

St James' Park in Newcastle has been chosen as part of Great Britain and Ireland's bid to host Euro 2028. 

Meanwhile, NE1, who represent the interests of 1,400 businesses in the city, have spoken of their delight at the prospect of hosting the tournament.

They said the city was well-suited to meeting the demands of such an event, and touted their "hugely successful track record of delivering world-class events."

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They also noted the competition would serve as an economic boon for both the city and region, and help boost Newcastle's reputation.

Speaking on the news, an NE1 spokesperson said: "We are delighted that Newcastle and St James’ Park has been selected as one of the ten host venues for Great Britain and Ireland’s Euro 2028 BID.

“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."

The bid includes matches in stadiums across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

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These venues would include Wembley, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, St James’ Park, Villa Park, Everton's new stadium, and the Etihad Stadium.

The Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Hampden Park in Glasgow, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium and Casement Park in Belfast – which requires building work – have also been selected.

Speaking on the plans, Debbie Hewitt, chair of UK and Ireland bid, said: “Our pioneering five-way partnership will deliver a record-breaking and unforgettable UEFA Euro.

“We will work together tirelessly to be the best partners for UEFA and to deliver on every one of our shared priorities.

“We will focus on growing football, connecting with and engaging new fans, players and volunteers.

“We continue to invest £50million (57m euros) annually into grassroots football development across our five associations.

“Together, we want UEFA Euro 2028 to be the catalyst for a new and sustainable era for football, from the grassroots to the very top of the European game.”

Adding to this, NE1 said they could not wait to make the most out of the opportunity to showcase Newcastle on the global stage.

They also said businesses were looking forward to ensuring the event is a successful one.

"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.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Scotland First Minister Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar all backed the bid in a joint statement.

They said: “Together, our nations will host an outstanding UEFA Euro 2028

“It will be the biggest sporting event our islands have ever jointly staged – a passionate and unforgettable celebration, with long-term benefits for our cities and communities as well as all European football.

“Our Governments are fully committed to hosting UEFA Euro 2028. Drawing on our collective experience of hosting major events, we will work with our five Football Associations and UEFA to deliver the best possible tournament – a welcoming, exciting and safe football festival that players, fans and the entire UEFA family will enjoy in every city and at every game.

“We will be honoured to deliver a tournament that truly brings our vision to life. Together with UEFA, we will build upon the proud traditions of using the power of football to inspire, and create new opportunities for football and communities across the UK and Ireland, now and for future generations.

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“Our unique and unprecedented UEFA Euro 2028 will welcome the world to iconic destinations and, above all, bring people together.”

England last hosted the Euros in 1996, while Hampden Park also hosted matches during the multi-national Euro 2020, played in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Wembley hosted the semi-final and final of Euro 2020, with England playing all but one of their matches at the national stadium before falling to Italy on penalties.