Kick-Off Time Confirmed for Newcastle vs. Liverpool in Carabao Cup Final
Newcastle’s highly anticipated Carabao Cup final against Liverpool has finally had its kick-off time confirmed. The Magpies secured their place at Wembley after an impressive semi-final victory over Arsenal, while Liverpool ousted Tottenham over two legs. Initial reports suggested a late 8 pm kick-off on Sunday, March 16, but this was deemed unlikely due to a scheduling conflict with a concert at Wembley Arena.
Limp Bizkit’s Wembley Arena Gig Influences Kick-Off Time
On the same day as the Carabao Cup final, US rap rock band Limp Bizkit is set to perform at Wembley Arena. Led by frontman Fred Durst, Limp Bizkit is renowned for hits like "Break Stuff" and "Rollin’," making them a significant draw in the late 1990s and early 2000s alternative music scene. Given their evening performance, the match has been scheduled to kick off at 4:30 pm to ensure that the stadium clears in time for the band’s concert. This timing is in line with the 2023 final between Newcastle and Manchester United, which also had a 4:30 pm start.
Newcastle’s Journey to the Final
Newcastle’s road to the Carabao Cup final has been nothing short of remarkable. Under the guidance of manager Eddie Howe, the team has shown resilience and skill, defeating Arsenal in the semi-finals. This achievement has rekindled the club’s aspirations for major silverware. However, the memories of the 2023 final, where Newcastle fell to Manchester United with a 2-0 defeat, still linger. The team will be eager to ensure a different outcome this time around, hoping to bring the trophy back to Tyneside.
Corporate Supporters Express Discontent
Despite the excitement surrounding the final, there is a growing sense of dissatisfaction among Newcastle’s corporate supporters. The Daily Mail reports that some corporate box holders are facing a significant reduction in the number of final tickets they have been allocated. A fan who spends up to £50,000 per season on Newcastle has been given only four tickets this time around, down from ten in 2023. This has led to a flurry of angry phone calls and complaints to the club.
Corporate vs. Personal: A Fan’s Perspective
One frustrated fan expressed, "I feel like I’ve been robbed and conned. If the club had been transparent at the start of the season, you can manage expectations or make alternative plans." The fan, who uses the corporate box to bring friends and family, feels let down by the club’s decision. "It’s not ‘corporate’, I see it as ten season tickets for my friends and family. I’d told them we’d be getting our seats for the final. I’ve now got to choose between grandchildren as to who goes to Wembley. I feel let down by the club." The club has defended the reduction, citing the need to accommodate more partners.
Broadcast Details for the Final
For those eager to catch the action live, Sky Sports holds the broadcast rights to the Carabao Cup final, offering coverage on its channel and via the Sky Go and Sky Sports app for streaming. In a move welcomed by many, ITV 1 will also broadcast the final for free-to-air television, with the game available to stream on ITV X. This dual broadcasting arrangement ensures that both subscribers and non-subscribers can enjoy the match, adding to the excitement of the event.
