Newcastle College students will take centre stage this Friday as they deliver the biggest and most comprehensive student-led takeover ever seen at a Newcastle Eagles men’s game.
The College is partnering with the Eagles for their Super League Basketball Men’s Play-Off Quarter-Finals first leg against the London Lions, transforming the game into a full-scale showcase of student talent, creativity and industry-ready skills.
From the moment fans arrive to the final buzzer, students from across the College will play a leading role in shaping the game night experience at the Vertu Arena.
On the court and around the arena, Performing Arts students will deliver a series of live dance performances throughout the game, including during timeouts and at half-time. Music students Summer and Solace will provide the soundtrack as resident DJs throughout the evening, while Acting students will support matchday PA announcements, gaining experience in a live sporting environment.
Behind the scenes and in hospitality, elite culinary learners from the College’s Canteen Club have prepared nearly 200 desserts to be served in The Brian Manning Suite. VIP guests will also be entertained by student performer Alfie Cane, while Travel and Tourism students lead meet-and-greet activity, welcoming and directing guests on arrival.
Across media and commercial operations, Digital Arts students will capture the event and conduct interviews with players and coaching staff, while Business and Travel students support activity in the club shop and around the arena.
Creativity is woven throughout the takeover. Illustration students have produced an original, hand-designed basketball, which will be displayed in a bespoke case and form a central prize in the evening’s raffle, delivered by students. Art and Design students have also created custom Newcastle College t-shirts, worn by students, staff, the official mascot and players during warm-ups.
The takeover reflects the College’s ongoing partnership with the Newcastle Eagles, with Newcastle College University Centre proudly featured as the club’s front-of-shirt sponsor.
Lisa Hamilton Murray, Deputy Principal at Newcastle College, said:
"This is a significant moment for Newcastle College and reflects the standard we set. To be taking on such a visible role at a major play-off fixture highlights the confidence our partners have in our students and the quality of what we deliver.
"We are focused on ensuring our students leave with the skills, confidence and professional mindset to succeed in the workplace. Our partnership with the Newcastle Eagles plays an important role in that, helping us create meaningful, high-quality opportunities that prepare students for what comes next."
Paul Blake, Managing Director of Newcastle Eagles, said:
"Our close partnership with Newcastle College grows every year and this Friday night’s game will see us working together like never before.
"The club already has students involved in many of our game night operations, but this takeover embeds them in every area of our fan experience, giving them valuable insight into delivering events and working in the entertainment, hospitality and sport industries.
"We want to thank the College for their continued support and we are delighted to be able to create even more volunteering and work experience opportunities for young people to put the skills they have learned in college into practice around our court."
The event offers students a unique opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting, working alongside industry professionals in a high-profile sporting environment.
It also reinforces Newcastle College’s commitment to delivering employer-aligned education at scale, ensuring students develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to progress into industry. Friday night’s takeover is a clear demonstration of that approach in action.