Newcastle United have announced a major tribute to Kevin Keegan, with supporter tributes set to go on public display at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art later this month.
The club was moved by the volume of tributes left outside St James' Park following Keegan's death in July, and has used every shirt laid down outside the stadium as part of a new celebration of the former player and manager's life. From Saturday, fans will be able to attend the free public display.
Public display announced
A club statement read: "Newcastle United will place supporter tributes to Kevin Keegan on public display at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art later this month, giving fans and the wider community an opportunity to reflect on the life of a North East icon."
Thousands of supporters paid tribute to the Magpies legend following his passing, leaving heartfelt messages, shirts, scarves and mementos outside St James' Park. The club's opening Premier League fixture against Liverpool, another of Keegan's former clubs, also provided an emotional opportunity for supporters to come together in remembrance.
Now, those tributes will form a free public display at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art on Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November, offering visitors the chance to honour a figure whose influence on Newcastle United and the region spanned generations.
Club chief's message
Brad Miller, Newcastle United's Chief Operating Officer, commented: "The tributes left following Kevin Keegan's passing touched millions around the world, with more than 52,000 fans uniting at St James' Park to pay their respects during our opening fixture against Liverpool."
"This display offers an opportunity for more fans and the wider public to view those tributes up close, reflect on Kevin's extraordinary impact, and celebrate the legacy he leaves for generations of supporters. It also ensures that our fans' heartfelt messages are carefully preserved, honouring a truly legendary figure."
Display overview and opening times
The display will feature tributes created by the club and supporters in memory of Kevin Keegan, including the centre-circle banner: a 17.5-metre banner designed by fan group Wor Flags, using over 500 football shirts and handwritten tributes left outside St James' Park. Also featured will be a statement photograph wall capturing the tributes shared by fans during the fixture against Liverpool in August, and a memorial film projection screening Newcastle United's commemorative film celebrating the legendary former player and manager.
Newcastle United staff and volunteers, plus Baltic Crew, will be on hand throughout the weekend to assist visitors and facilitate the experience.
The display will be open on Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November, from 10.00am to 6.00pm daily, with last entry at 5.00pm, at Level 1, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead. Fans can book tickets for the event here.
