With 52,000 fans expected at St James’s Park over the weekend, Newcastle United Football Club has joined forces with Newcastle City Council for an exceptional initiative to reduce the environmental impact of home football matches.

Fans attending the home game against Luton Town on Saturday, February 3rd, and the Newcastle United Women’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers Women’s Football Club on Sunday, February 4th, can enjoy free travel in the Tyne & Wear area.

This initiative serves a dual purpose: promoting sustainable transportation and emphasizing the importance of sustainability in both transport and football. It also aims to alleviate congestion and enhance air quality around the stadium and the city.

The free travel offer spans the weekend of February 3rd and 4th, allowing fans to access complimentary transportation three hours before kick-off until the end of service.

To claim their free travel, fans must present their matchday or season ticket.

Notably, the initiative involves collaboration with key partners in the transportation sector, including the Metro, Arriva, Stagecoach, and Go North East bus service.

Newcastle United Football Club is deeply committed to reducing its environmental footprint. This initiative builds upon the success of the ‘Magpie Mover’ scheme, which offers season ticket holders unlimited travel on the Metro and Ferry for just £25 per season. Furthermore, the club actively promotes sustainability by using biodegradable cups and offering low-carbon catering options on matchdays.

Huw Lewis, Nexus Customer Services Director, said: “Metro is an easy and convenient way to St. James’ Park already used by thousands of fans, whether you are travelling from home or getting on at one of our Park and Ride sites to beat the matchday traffic. Metro is delighted to be supporting this great initiative led by Newcastle United with the City Council  and our partners in the bus companies. I hope it helps many more fans discover Metro and bus as the greener, cheaper way to enjoy a day at the football.”

Cllr Marion Williams, cabinet member for a Connected, Clean City at Newcastle City Council, added: “We’re proud supporters of football in our city and delighted to be able to join Newcastle United in promoting this fantastic initiative.

“This is all about celebrating and promoting greener and more sustainable matchday travel and we’re keen to see as many supporters as possible taking advantage of this free travel offer for the weekend’s home matches for both the men’s and the women’s teams.

“We hope this will help to encourage more people to use public transport for matchday travel in future, which will not only ease congestion on our roads but will also help to reduce harmful air pollution and cut carbon emissions, which are having a damaging impact on our health and the wider environment.

“We know that NUFC fans are proud of their club and of their city and, together with Newcastle United, we’re asking supporters to do their bit and help make our city cleaner, greener and healthier.”