I rarely post but this topic is one that really gets the imagination flowing.
I'm in favour of moving, just because I can see enormous opportunities which simply cannot happen if we stay. Admittedly some would require our owners to recognise what we have here and diverge a little from the familiar path other clubs are following, but I'd love us to set an example rather than follow.
1. Atmosphere. I see arguments that moving wont help the atmosphere. I wholeheartedly disagree. If done right (stadium acoustics, non season ticket availability, sensible ticket pricing) we could very easily turn a new stadium into an absolute cauldron which would be the envy of all in this country. If we had 70 to 80,000 capacity we could afford to dedicate one whole end of, say, 15,000 to pay on the day. And make it cheap. Sure, have a membership scheme to ensure troublemakers can be identified etc, but bring back the days of being able to queue up and have a chance of getting into any game. This would also bring back the camaraderie of groups of mates all being able to stick together, and eliminate the current problem of aging season ticket holders being immovable. Ticket sales from other areas of the ground can be higher, money will flow from other areas, a stadium full of noisy fans is worth it's weight in gold (see point 2).
2. Revenue. A new stadium seen (and heard) around the world every other week, one end full of loud and loyal fans who are currently either being priced out, separated from their friends, or haven't yet caught the bug as they can't afford it, would really set us apart from every other club in this country, and would attract new visitors just to sample the atmosphere (see point 1). Stadium concourses with a choice of bars and restaurants with a view over a refurbished and beautiful park leading into the centre of town would be lucrative enough on matchday. But why matchday only? If done right, why couldn't a night out in Newcastle include some drinks or a meal at our new home? And add to that the increased scope for big concerts and events for which we just aren't able to stage at present.
3. The future. Most if not all PL clubs are at some stage going to find the supply line of 'real' new fans becoming thin. The daytripper sorts are important for revenue, but they don't make noise and they will be quick to disappear when things aren't going so well. We should be trying to make it possible for those who desperately want to support the club to get their wish, because it's to everyone's benefit. This is currently impossible, but a new stadium opens the door for lots of new ideas.
For me the only downside to moving is tradition, which I do get. I've not gone for years but had a season ticket from McFaul to Souness and the place holds memories. But the memories will remain and the club is currently being held back enormously by what I think has become a short-sighted show of loyalty to somewhere which hasn't - for any of us - seen any real success in the form of a trophy