McDonald Jones Stadium is a multipurpose sports stadium in Australia. Newcastle International Sports Centre was the ground’s original name, and it was renamed after the change in naming rights. It is also known as the Hunter International Sports Centre. This ground is mainly used for Rugby league, Soccer, Baseball, and Rugby union sports. Entertainment events and concerts are also organised at the McDonald Jones Stadium.
McDonald Jones Stadium has a capacity of 33000, including 23000 seats. The McDonald Jones Stadium seating plan with seat numbers and rows helps in finding the seats. The demand for stadium tickets is high during Soccer and rugby games. Construction of the Newcastle International Sports Centre began in 1967 and was completed in 1970. It has undergone multiple renovations and expansions to incorporate the latest technologies to enhance visitors’ comfort.
Newcastle International Sports Centre has hosted many tenants in the past, and its current home teams are the Newcastle Knights (NRL) and Newcastle Jets FC (A-League). The National Rugby League is one of the most popular events at this stadium, and the home games of the Newcastle Knights rugby team are held there during the NRL season. The Government of New South Wales owns it, and Venues NSW manages it.
McDonald Jones Stadium Seating Plan
23000 seats of the stadium are spread across multiple levels and stands. The current capacity of the ground is 33000. The location of all the stands of the stadium is mentioned on the map in different colors for easy identification.
The upper-level stand, hospitality area, southern hill, northern hill, grandstand, etc., can be seen on the map. This stadium can accommodate 33000 visitors during sporting events. Soccer and rugby games are regularly organized here, along with other sports.
National Rugby League home games are played here, and there is high demand for McDonald Jones Stadium tickets during the season. We have shared the seating arrangement chart for McDonald Jones Stadium for NRL matches. The locations of the stands, the visiting team area, the home team area, and the entry doors are shown on the Newcastle International Sports Centre seating plan.
Best Seats
The front-row seats in the lower and middle tiers of the east and west stands, near the sidelines, are considered among the best. These are the closest seats to the ground, and visitors can get a good view of the field. The seats near the sideline on the upper level also offer a good, wide view of the ground; however, they’re a little distant.
The seats behind the goal posts at McDonald Jones Stadium good for atmosphere and scoring moments. Visitors should avoid the last row seats and the corner seats of the stadium due to limited view.
McDonald Jones Stadium Concerts Seat Map
Entertainment events and concerts are also hosted here regularly. It has a large seating capacity and easy access to the country. A temporary stage is set up on the ground for performance, along with the standing areas and temporary seats.
The seating arrangement might be slightly different due to the organizers’ requests. Visitors can print these maps while visiting the stadium to watch events. McDonald Jones Stadium can accommodate more visitors than its original capacity after the addition of temporary arrangements.
Best Seats for Concerts
The on-field seats at McDonald Jones Stadium are considered the best because of their close proximity to the stage, allowing visitors to see the artists perform live. These are among the most expensive seats. The front-row and side seats on the lower level also offer a good view.
The seats on the upper levels in front of the stage are a good option at an affordable price. The seats behind the stage and the last row seats should be avoided due to limited view.
Accessibility Seats
McDonald Jones Stadium has accessibility seats in multiple stands. The seats are arranged with companion seats and a raised platform for a good view. Step-free access via lifts and ramps, accessible toilets, hearing systems, and other facilities are available for the convenience of visitors. Spectators can seek the help of trained staff.
Accessible seats at Newcastle International Sports Centre can also be booked by visitors with mobility issues who do not use wheelchairs. These seats are limited in number and must be prebooked via the official website due to high demand during Rugby and soccer games.
McDonald Jones Stadium 2026 Events Schedule
| Date | Day | Event | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 14, 2026 | Saturday | Knights v Bulldogs | NRL (Pre-Season) |
| February 22, 2026 | Sunday | Newcastle Jets v Macarthur FC | A-League Men |
| March 07, 2026 | Saturday | Newcastle Jets v WS Wanderers | A-League Men |
| March 14, 2026 | Saturday | Newcastle Jets v Auckland FC | A-League Men |
| March 21, 2026 | Saturday | Knights v Warriors | NRL (Home Opener) |
| April 05, 2026 | Sunday | Knights v Raiders (Easter Sunday) | NRL (Round 5) |
| April 11, 2026 | Saturday | Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United | A-League Men |
| April 25, 2026 | Saturday | Newcastle Jets v Central Coast | A-League Men |
| April 26, 2026 | Sunday | Knights v Panthers (ANZAC Round) | NRL (Round 8) |
| April 30, 2026 | Thursday | Women’s State of Origin I: NSW v QLD | Rugby League |
| May 03, 2026 | Sunday | Knights v Rabbitohs | NRL (Round 9) |
| May 30, 2026 | Saturday | Knights v Eels | NRL (Round 13) |
| June 19, 2026 | Friday | Knights v Dragons | NRL (Round 16) |
| June 28, 2026 | Sunday | Knights v Wests Tigers | NRL (Round 17) |
| July 05, 2026 | Sunday | Knights v Dolphins | NRL (Round 18) |
| July 19, 2026 | Sunday | Knights v Dragons | NRLW (Round 3) |
| July 24, 2026 | Friday | Knights v Roosters | NRL (Round 19) |
| August 16, 2026 | Sunday | Knights v Titans (Double Header) | NRL & NRLW |
| August 22, 2026 | Saturday | Knights v Sea Eagles (Old Boys Day) | NRL & NRLW |
| September 05, 2026 | Saturday | Knights v Bulldogs | NRLW (Round 10) |
| September 13, 2026 | Sunday | Knights v Titans | NRLW (Round 11) |
| October 18, 2026 | Sunday | RLWC: Fiji v Cook Is / NZ v Fiji | World Cup (DH) |
| November 07, 2026 | Saturday | RLWC: Men’s & Women’s Semi-Finals | World Cup (DH) |
| 3. October 2026 | Saturday | RWC: Japan v Samoa | Rugby Union |
| 4. October 2026 | Sunday | RWC: Fiji v Spain | Rugby Union |
| 11. October 2026 | Sunday | RWC: Uruguay v Portugal | Rugby Union |
| 17. October 2026 | Saturday | RWC: Italy v Georgia | Rugby Union |
Parking and How to Reach
Large parking is available at McDonald Jones Stadium. Visitors can book the parking space in advance during big games to avoid inconvenience. These lots fill up quickly and arriving early is good.
The locations of the parking lots are shown on the McDonald Jones Stadium parking map, along with the types of parking, nearby roads, and landmarks. It has spectator parking, entrant’s area, trailer parking, etc. The parking lot near the stadium is reserved for accessible guests, members, players, and premium ticket holders.
Broadmeadow train station is situated approximately 15 minute walk away from McDonald Jones Stadium. Public transport is a good option to reach the venue. The road leading to the stadium is generally jam-packed, and restrictions are in place during major events. Parking is free for visitors arriving at the venue to attend meetings.
Bag Policy and Security
Visitors are advised to bring only small backpacks as large bags are not allowed inside the McDonald Jones Stadium. Mobile phones and wallets can be brought inside the stadium after airport-style screening. Visitors can also carry baby food if accompanied by a baby. The list of prohibited items can be checked online on the official ticket booking website and the stadium website.
About McDonald Jones Stadium
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Stadium Name | McDonald Jones Stadium and Newcastle International Sports Centre |
| Construction Started | 1967 |
| Opened | 2011 |
| Other Names | Hunter International Sports Centre, Marathon Stadium, EnergyAustralia Stadium, Ausgrid Stadium, Hunter Stadium |
| Home Team & Other Tenant | Newcastle Knights of NRL and Newcastle United Jets Football Club |
| Seating Capacity | 23000 seats and 33000 total capacity |
| Owned By | Government of New South Wales Operator |
| Operated By | Venues NSW |
| Designed By | EJE Architecture |
| Famous Events Hosted | Rugby league, Soccer, Baseball, Rugby Union, and Concerts |
| Construction Cost | NA |
| Stadium Surface | Grass |
| Highest Attendance Recorded | 42000 |
| Stadium Uses | Rugby league, Soccer, Baseball, Rugby Union, and Concerts |
| Stand Name | Multiple |
| Transportation | Rail and Road |
| Stadium Address | 294 Turton Rd, Broadmeadow NSW 2292, Australia |
