Anyone who has watched a match at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle will tell you how electric the atmosphere is when the Knights or Jets play there.
A major hub of this lovely coastal city of Newcastle, the modern venue has been known by various names over the years. But one thing that has not changed is that it is a terrific place to watch live sports.
If you have been to a game there you will know this well. But how much do you know about the stadium?
In this article, as part of our series of professional sports stadiums in Australia, we will review the venue in more detail. Highlighting its history and exploring its various features, facilities and everything you need to know next time you plan on watching a game there.
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About the Stadium
The McDonald Jones Stadium, formerly known as the Newcastle International Sports Centre, has a rich history dating back to when construction for it first broke ground in 1967. The stadium officially opened in 1970 and was originally used primarily for rugby league matches.
Over the years, the stadium has undergone several renovations and upgrades, including the addition of new seating, lighting, and audio-visual systems. In 2002, the stadium underwent a major redevelopment, which included the construction of new grandstands, corporate boxes, and a new playing surface. The redevelopment was completed in 2003, and the stadium was renamed the EnergyAustralia Stadium.
In 2011, the stadium underwent another major renovation, which included the installation of a new playing surface, new scoreboards, and the construction of a new Western grandstand. The renovation was completed in 2013, and the stadium was renamed the Hunter Stadium.
In 2017, the stadium underwent another name change, this time to the McDonald Jones Stadium, after the Australian building company McDonald Jones Homes secured naming rights for the venue.
Throughout its history, the McDonald Jones Stadium has hosted four professional sports codes. Its current capacity is 33,000.
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What Sports Are Played at McDonald Jones Stadium?
The main sports played at the stadium are rugby league and football.
It is the home ground of the Newcastle Knights in the NRL and the Newcastle Jets in the A-League.
The stadium has also hosted the Australian national team in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, as well as other tournament matches involving Japan and Palestine, Oman and Kuwait and the UAE and Iraq.
In rugby league, Great Britain has played a couple of games against the Newcastle Knights as well as
Australian home test matches between Fiji and New Zealand. A world cup match in 2008 involving the Kiwis and Great Britain was also played here.
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What Other Sports Have Been Played There?
As well as NRL and football, other sports have also been played at the venue.
Between 1994 and 1998, it served as the home ground to the Hunter Eagles in the Australian Baseball League.
It also hosted a rugby union match between Australia and Scotland in 2012, with the visitors edging it 9-6 in a tight affair. Additionally, in 2019 it was the venue for a game between the Waratahs and Sunwolves, which the Japanese outfit won 31-29.
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Other Events
While McDonald Jones Stadium is a bona fide sports stadium, it has held a concert previously. It was a fundraiser for the Newcastle Earthquake Relief Concert in 1989 after the natural disaster devastated the area.
Some of the bands that played there that night included Midnight Oil, Crowded House, Jimmy Barnes, The Angels, Johnny Diesel & The Injectors, Split Enz, Ross Wilson, Marc Hunter, The Party Boys, Noiseworks and Spy vs Spy.
It raised millions of dollars for the disaster appeal.
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Facilities
McDonald Jones Stadium is a modern sports venue that offers a range of facilities to cater for spectators on match day.
As mentioned, the stadium has a seating capacity of up to 33,000 spectators, with both reserved and general admission seating available. The seating is designed to provide clear views of the field from every angle, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all visitors. The Western grandstand is the biggest stand and accommodates 13,500 seats.
The venue is also fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, incorporating designated seating areas and wheelchair-accessible facilities. Additionally, there are accessible parking and drop-off zones, as well as hearing-assistive devices for visitors with listening impairments.
During matches, a big electronic scoreboard presents the score, match stats and video replays. At night, several floodlights bathe the venue in light.
For visitors looking for a more exclusive experience, the stadium features a range of corporate suites and VIP boxes. These offer premium seating and hospitality packages, including food and beverage options and private access to exclusive areas of the stadium.
The stadium has a range of food and beverage options available, (which we will discuss later) and also features a number of merchandise outlets, selling a range of official team and event merchandise like hats, flags, jerseys, clothing and assorted memorabilia.
Other facilities at the ground, include a medical centre, change rooms for athletes and performers, and media facilities for journalists and broadcasters.
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How to get to the stadium
McDonald Jones Stadium is an easy venue to get to as it is situated in the suburb of Broadmeadow, just a few kilometres from the CBD.
As it is located not far from the Pacific Highway, it is easy to get to by car. However, whilst there is parking available onsite, there are only limited spaces at them. So you should arrive early or consider parking somewhere a little further out from the ground.
For this reason, you might prefer to take public transport to the venue. It is easily accessible by bus and train, with several services available. The closest train station is Broadmeadow Station, located just a few hundred meters from the stadium. Regular bus services also operate from Newcastle Interchange, with a number of bus stops located within walking distance of the stadium.
There are plenty of taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber that will take you to the ground, and there are also several secure bike racks available for those who want to cycle there.
Additionally, the stadium is located within walking distance of several nearby suburbs, including Broadmeadow, Hamilton, and Mayfield. For away supporters, walking is a great option as you will not only get to stretch your legs, but also take in the surrounding scenery via the pedestrian-friendly paths and footpaths that lead you to the stadium.
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Food Options
The McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle offers a range of food options on match days, catering to a variety of tastes and dietary requirements.
There are a number of food outlets throughout the stadium, offering a range of snacks, meals, and drinks. They include traditional stadium fare such as hot dogs, burgers, and fries, as well as more diverse options like sushi, tacos, and salads. You can even get a good selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options as well.
Just outside the stadium, there are several food outlets available to dine at. For those who enjoy meat, The Chophouse is an excellent choice. It plates up a terrific range of grilled meats, loaded fries and other hearty fares, which you can eat inside or outside the venue.
Other venues to consider include The Prince of Mereweather Hotel for classic pub fare, The Criterion Hotel in nearby Carrington for modern Australian cuisine and the Nagisa Japanese Restaurant, where you can enjoy sushi and Asian fusion cuisine.
For those wanting a more upmarket dining experience, The Terrace on Darby offers a range of gourmet,
Australian-inspired dishes and beverages.
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Accommodation near the ground
If you’re looking for accommodation near the McDonald Jones Stadium on or around match days, there are several great options to choose from.
One popular choice is the Novotel Newcastle Beach, which is located just a short drive from the stadium and offers modern rooms and suites with stunning ocean views. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant and bar, as well as a rooftop terrace bar.
Another great option is the Chifley Apartments Newcastle, which is located in the heart of the city and offers spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities for those who want those home comforts. The property also features an outdoor pool, BBQ facilities, and a fitness centre.
For those on a budget, the Ibis Budget Newcastle provides affordable accommodation just a short drive from the stadium. The hotel features compact rooms with basic amenities, as well as an on-site restaurant and free parking.
Other good budget options include The Crown & Anchor Hotel and the Oriental Hotel. Both of these offer comfortable, clean and affordable accommodations with onsite bars that present nice food options.
Quest Newcastle is another option to consider for those who want an apartment with a kitchen and laundry services, while The historic Grand Hotel is also within easy walking distance of McDonald Jones Stadium. It offers a range of room types, from basic budget rooms to luxurious suites and also has an excellent restaurant too.
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Good pubs to visit
If you’re heading to the McDonald Jones Stadium for a match or event, there are several great pubs and bars located nearby where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat before or after the event.
One of the most popular places to go is The Prince of Wales Hotel, which is located on Maitland Road, just a short walk from the stadium, The well-known pub offers a terrific selection of craft beers, cocktails, and live music. They also have a restaurant that dishes up an excellent selection of pub-style food and even a beer garden with outdoor seating to enjoy it in.
Over on Glebe Road, the Maryville Tavern is another local favourite. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, good food, and affordable drinks and even has a children’s play area for families.
For those wanting a more lively atmosphere, The Kent Hotel has been an institution in the city since 1924, This pub has plenty of big screen TVs that show live sport and also welcomes a diverse crowd who come here for good food, a nice range of beers and regular live music.
The Greenroof Hotel is another terrific place to visit. It’s a modern pub known for its extensive drinks menu, which includes craft beers, cocktails, and wine. The venue also features a restaurant with a diverse food menu, a sports bar with multiple screens, and a quaint beer garden.
Another good option is the Lass O’Gowrie Hote. A popular spot for craft beer enthusiasts, it has a rotating selection of local and international brews on tap. The pub also features a restaurant serving hearty pub food and hosts regular live music and other events.
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Quick Stats
Address: Address: 294 Turton Rd, Broadmeadow NSW 2292
Capacity: 33,000
Opened: 1970
Field size: 105 m × 68 m
Record attendance: 42,000 (1990, 1989 Newcastle earthquake relief concert)