A highly anticipated new North East STACK venue welcomed its first guests yesterday (August 8)- with hundreds attending the opening. 

The shipping-container-village-venture is returning to their hometown of Newcastle, years after the previous site was dismantled to make way for the new HMRC regional headquarters. 

(Image: The Northern Echo)

The STACK fan zone at St James' Park aims to be "the best in Europe", with a 3,000-person capacity, an entertainment hub, and a series of NUFC-themed bars. 

The Strawberry Place site has been constructed from 56 repurposed shipping containers, with a central plaza and main stage accompanying large screens, creating "an immersive experience for live entertainment."

(Image: The Northern Echo)

In addition to bar units - like Local Hero, Wor Bar and the Toon Kit Room - there are 11 original STACK vendors, bringing a diverse menu of globally inspired dishes. 

Food vendors include; Acropolis, selling Greek street food; Davey’s Mexicano; Holy Duck; Zza Pizzeria; Texas Smoker; Tip Top, an Asian street food venue; Soju and Gogi, selling Korean street food; Yolo Coffee and Kitchen; and Ok Please for Indian Street food. 

(Image: The Northern Echo)

Neill Winch, the CEO of STACK said: "Pilgrim Street STACK was our very first venture, so that was proof of concept when we opened and it was an amazing success.

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"I was very proud of what we achieved there, but because STACK was a meanwhile use, we had to close. 

(Image: The Northern Echo)

"To bring STACK back to the city where it all started is very special, and to do that as a joint venture with the football club is amazing.

"We're really pleased, really proud, of what the team have achieved because it's not just me, I've got an unbelievable team, and it's pretty special."