Newcastle Knights fans will be able to cheer on their team from the heart of Newcastle this Sunday, with the Minns Labor Government throwing open the gates of McDonald Jones Stadium as a free live site for this Sunday’s Grand Final.
For fans who can’t make the trip to Sydney, McDonald Jones Stadium will give Novocastrians the chance to experience Grand Final night together, surrounded by thousands of fellow Knights supporters.
Gates will open at 3.30pm, with the NRLW Grand Final between the Roosters and Broncos broadcast live on the big screens before the Knights take on the Roosters in their first ever NRL Grand Final meeting.
Fans are invited to bring a picnic rug and watch the action from the field of play, or enjoy the Grand Final atmosphere from the grandstands.
Food and beverage outlets will also be open throughout the free community event.
Families and fans are encouraged to wear their red and blue, soak up the Grand Final atmosphere and get behind the Knights as they chase their third NRL premiership.
Free tickets will be available for redemption via Ticketmaster on Thursday at 10am.
McDonald Jones Stadium Grand Final Live Site
When: Sunday 4 October
Time: Gates open at 3.30pm
Entry: Via Gates 2 & 3
Tickets: Free and registration via redemption via Ticketmaster
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
"I am hearing that tickets for Sunday's Grand Final are now nearly impossible to get. For all those who can't get there, where better to gather to watch the Knights do battle than our spiritual home - MacDonald Jones Stadium.
"Venues NSW have worked with the Knights and all concerned to make this the place to be if you can't get to Sydney. They'll be firing up the big screens and making it as close as it can be to being there in person.
"I fully expect Knights fans will fill 3/4 of Accor Stadium in Sydney and maybe fill MJS as well. The whole Hunter is behind our boys."
Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper said:
“This is a fantastic moment for Newcastle and rugby league fans across the Hunter.
“Opening the gates at McDonald Jones Stadium gives the community the chance to come together and experience the excitement of Grand Final night right here in Newcastle.
“Whether watching from the field with the family or from the grandstands with friends, this will be a great way for Novocastrians to come together and be part of what promises to be a very special night.”
Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said:
“Fans and families will be able to create memories for a lifetime, cheering together at a great, free local live site. Go the Knights!”
Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:
“The Knights have done the Hunter proud, and opening McDonald Jones Stadium means more local fans can come together and cheer them on in the Grand Final.
“We know that not everyone can make the trip to Sydney on Sunday, so this is a great opportunity for Knights fans to gather at home and get behind our team on the biggest stage!”
Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison said:
“We love our Knights, and this is a great way for everyone to get involved, turn our town red and blue, and show our support for the team.”
Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:
“We are giving Novocastrians the opportunity to enjoy this historic game from the Newcastle Knights home ground.”
"Newcastle is ready to defend the kingdom. This is our team, our town, and our time. Up the Knights!”
Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery said:
“This is a great announcement from the NSW Government. I’m so pleased to see that our local fans will be able to cheer on the Knights in our home ground of McDonald Jones Stadium”
Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:
“This is a massive moment for Newcastle and the Hunter, and a fantastic opportunity for Knights fans to come together and get behind the boys as they take on the Roosters in their first Grand Final in 25 years.
“With so many locals in the team, there’s a special feeling for families, friends and the whole community. Let’s get the red and blue out, make some noise and get behind the Knights — let’s bring it home!
Duty MLC for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:
“Knights supporters are thrilled we are in the grand final! We’re so excited I think the team will hear us from McDonald Jones”
Newcastle Knights Group Chief Commercial Officer, Jodie Cross said:
“We would love to see as many members and fans as possible at Accor Stadium on Sunday, if they can’t get tickets to the game the next best option is to watch it live at our home, the kingdom, McDonald Jones Stadium.
“Everyone at the Knights appreciates the phenomenal support we continue to receive, it’s truly amazing and overwhelming, there is no doubt we have the best supporters in the game.”
