Tyneside Irish Centre: A Hub of Activity
In the heart of Tyneside, the Tyneside Irish Centre, located just across from St James’ Park, has transformed into a bustling hive of activity. On one of the sunniest days recorded this year, the air in the pub was filled with the lighthearted laughter of Alexander Isak and Tino Asprilla, both of whom were there for the filming of a promotional video for Newcastle United’s new third kit for the 2025-26 season.
Asprilla’s Iconic Presence
Asprilla, an iconic figure in Newcastle’s history thanks to his memorable goals and flamboyant personality, sported a replica of the famous fur coat he wore upon his arrival in the UK in 1996, though he humorously noted the coat’s impractical warmth amid the summer heat.
“Estuve excelente,”
he quipped about his performance during a brief skit, prompting laughter from his younger colleague Isak, who also engaged him in fluent Spanish, showcasing his multilingual skills.
A Significant Investment
The scene was lively as over a hundred extras gathered for the shoot, cheering and chanting Asprilla’s name as he moved through the crowd while signing autographs. This event marked a significant investment for Adidas, Newcastle’s current kit sponsor, underscoring the club’s rising commercial appeal as they rekindle their famous partnership with the brand. With high-profile teams like Real Madrid and Manchester United under its belt, Adidas has opted to spend heavily for this two-minute advertisement, reportedly utilizing thousands of dollars to book the venue and fly in notable figures such as Jonas Gutierrez from Argentina and a dedicated fan from Japan.
Decor and Atmosphere
As part of the commercial planning, the Irish Centre was thoroughly decorated, adorned with nods to Newcastle’s football culture and the new kit colors. Posters featuring rock star Sam Fender were displayed, and festive props mirrored a concert atmosphere, despite Fender himself being unavailable due to scheduling conflicts. Instead, a tribute act entertained the crowd, bringing a playful touch to the filming.
Engaging the Extras
As the shooting commenced, a director briefed the eager extras, many of whom donned various Newcastle merchandise, to immerse themselves in the spirit of an intimate Sam Fender concert. However, players like Isak and Asprilla were not the only stars on set; Anthony Gordon was seen engaging fans with a copy of Plato’s ‘The Republic’—a unique addition that added an unexpected philosophical twist to the proceedings.
Friendly Rivalries and Community Spirit
As the day unfolded, a plethora of activities took place, including amusing interactions and challenges between players. Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn showcased their friendly rivalry over a game of pool while other players took turns to entertain, engage with fans, and even recreate their iconic celebratory antics on camera. This all happened under the watchful eye of a dedicated crew, who needed to keep a tight schedule, ensuring their high-stakes investment was realized with maximum entertainment value.
Conclusion: A Community United
As filming wrapped up across multiple days, locals watched with mixed feelings, voicing their disappointment at the temporary closure of their beloved pub. However, when the final filming concluded, the Irish Centre would swiftly return to its usual atmosphere of camaraderie, and the club’s growing presence in the advertising space would be made apparent. The tagline of the promotional video,
“Once a local, always a hero,”
fittingly captured the essence of Newcastle’s community spirit and its commitment to embracing both local and international figures who have made their mark on the club’s history. By the end of it all, the focus was clear: Newcastle United is not just a football team; it is an iconic part of the culture that binds the North East together, propelled by its ambitious plans under a globally recognized brand like Adidas.
