St. James’ Park will play host to United’s city neighbours Newcastle Falcons on Saturday 24th March for a special Aviva Premiership rugby union fixture against Northampton Saints.

Dubbed ‘The Big One’, the day will see a curtain raiser between Newcastle University and Northumbria University from 3pm, followed by the Falcons in top-flight action from 5:30pm.

Mick Hogan, managing director of Newcastle Falcons, said: “The Big One promises to be a major rugby occasion for the entire region to really get behind with adult tickets starting from just £10 and juniors from £5.

“We have set ourselves a target of 20,000 tickets sold for what will be a great day at a fantastic venue, one which has already shown itself to be more than capable of hosting top rugby events.

“Newcastle Falcons’ Aviva Premiership match against Northampton will provide a fitting climax on what promises to be a massive day of rugby for a region which thrives upon staging these major events.”

‘An incredible stadium’

St. James’ Park, which hosted three matches during Rugby World Cup 2015 including winners New Zealand against Tonga, has also hosted three Super League Magic Weekends and will be the venue for the 2019 European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals.

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby, Dean Richards, added: “St. James’ Park is an incredible stadium and this is a fantastic opportunity for us to take a game there.

“The passion for sport in our region and the commitment from the public in supporting major sporting events is second to none, and it will be a memorable day which people will want to be part of.”

Lee Charnley, managing director of Newcastle United, said: “We’ve earned ourselves an excellent reputation in recent years for hosting top class rugby events at St. James’ Park.

“We are, once again, proud to be the venue of choice for yet another great occasion in the North East’s sporting calendar.”

As well as offering a day of top-class sporting entertainment ‘The Big One’ will also raise funds and awareness for Doddie Weir’5 Discretionary Trust, following the recent Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis of the Falcons and Scotland great. Details of this will be announced in due course.

Tickets

Newcastle Falcons season ticket members will be entitled to a free East Stand ticket for the day, with season car park pass holders eligible for free parking.

Falcons season ticket members wishing to access this ticket should contact the Falcons box office by calling 0871 226 6060, emailing fans@newcastle-falcons.co.uk or visiting Kingston Park in person during opening hours.

Tickets will be on sale to the general public from Friday 1st December via Newcastle United’s Box Office.

Falcons captain Will Welch spoke of his enthusiasm around ‘The Big One’, saying: “As a kid from this area I was brought up watching Newcastle United games at St. James’ Park and experiencing the amazing atmosphere there.

“For us as Falcons players to now go play a game on that stage will be something truly special, and I’m sure our supporters and the wider public in our region will buy into it.”