Scattering Ashes at St James' Park: Options for Newcastle Fans
For a lifelong Toon fan, St James' Park sits at the heart of the city and of their life. Many families want their loved one's ashes to rest there. This guide explains what Newcastle United has offered, and what to check before making plans.
Can you scatter ashes on the St James' Park pitch?
No. Newcastle United used to allow ashes to be scattered around the pitch, but stopped when the pitch surrounds were upgraded. Ashes already laid at the Gallowgate End were sealed in during that work, and the club said it would no longer offer the facility to fans.
A football ground is private land, and in the UK you need the landowner's permission to scatter ashes on private land, so never scatter ashes at the ground without the club's agreement.
The Alder Sweeney Memorial Garden
In 2014 the club opened the Alder Sweeney Memorial Garden, in front of the reception area of the Milburn Stand. It was named after John Alder and Liam Sweeney, two Newcastle supporters who lost their lives on flight MH17. When it opened, the club said families and friends of supporters who had passed away could lay flowers there and spread ashes by appointment with the club's operations team.
Arrangements may have changed since then, so contact Newcastle United directly to check whether ashes can still be placed in the garden and how to book.
Other places to scatter ashes
- Crematorium gardens of remembrance. Newcastle's crematoria offer scattering in their gardens by arrangement.
- Parks and open spaces. Leazes Park, right next to the ground, and other city parks are council land. Ask Newcastle City Council before scattering ashes in a public park.
- Somewhere that meant something to them, such as the pub before the match, the Tyne, or their old Sunday league pitch, with the landowner's or relevant authority's permission.
Keeping them close to the club
Many families keep their loved one at home in something that looks like them. Our Newcastle United football urn is hand-crafted from a genuine football in black and white, with a sealed inner chamber that holds about 3.8 litres, enough for the full ashes of most adults. You can add an engraved display stand and a display case.
Some families scatter a small portion in the memorial garden or somewhere meaningful, and keep the rest at home in the urn.
For other UK clubs, see our guide: Can you scatter ashes at a football ground?
Frequently asked questions
Can ashes be scattered on the St James' Park pitch?
No. The club stopped offering this when the pitch surrounds were upgraded.
Where is the Alder Sweeney Memorial Garden?
In front of the reception area of the Milburn Stand at St James' Park. Contact the club to check current arrangements before visiting with ashes.
How much ash does a Newcastle football urn hold?
About 3.8 litres, enough for the full cremated remains of most adults. UK prices include VAT and import duty, and we deliver to the UK with tracking.
Club policies can change. This information was checked in October 2026, so please confirm with Newcastle United before making plans. Identity Urns is not affiliated with, licensed or endorsed by Newcastle United.