Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald today congratulated Venues NSW and the Newcastle Jets on a new five-year partnership which ensures McDonald Jones Stadium remains the home of the Jets for the next five years.
“Hunter Stadium has played host to international greats from all codes, and now the stadium has signed a new deal which will see all but one Newcastle Jets fixtures played right here to the end of the 2020/21 season,” Mr MacDonald said.
“McDonald Jones Stadium provides world class facilities for local, national and international teams year round, recognised in its selection as a competition venue for the AFC Asian Cup last year.
“The NSW Government has invested more than $100 million redeveloping the Western and Eastern Grandstand and installing a new playing surface with further planning for the precinct under way.
“This new five-year extension by the Jets highlights the commitment of both Venues NSW and the Jets to both Newcastle and the Hunter region as a whole,” Mr MacDonald said.
Newcastle Jets Chief Executive Officer Mr Lawrie McKinna said the agreement is significant for the Jets as it “guarantees Newcastle Jets an improved deal to play at Newcastle’s premier sporting venue for a further five years”.
“The facilities at McDonald Jones Stadium for supporters, players and officials are among some of the best in the nation, so we are certainly proud to call the venue home and continue our long-running association with Venues NSW.”
“Newcastle Jets is also committed to work closely with stadium management and Venues NSW officials to try to help them add other exciting events, possibly including high-profile friendly matches with touring international teams, to their schedule in the future.”
John Quayle, Chairman Venues NSW, said Venues NSW is very pleased to continue the strong relationship with the Newcastle Jets.
“Every Jets game will provide an exceptional opportunity to showcase Newcastle and the Hunter region to the thousands of fans attending and the huge broadcast audience watching across Australia and beyond,” Mr Quayle said.
McDonald Jones Stadium, formerly known as Hunter Stadium, is now part of the NSW Government’s portfolio along with ANZ Stadium and Pirtek Stadium in Sydney, WIN Stadium and Entertainment Centre in Wollongong and our neighbours the Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showground.
McDonald Jones Stadium has a capacity of 33,000 people.
