Increased capacity approved for McDonald Jones Stadium

Wednesday 21 October 2020 11:06am

Rugby Union fans across the Hunter region are the big winners after NSW Health granted approval for McDonald Jones Stadium to host bigger crowds for the Wallabies v Argentina and All Blacks v Argentina clashes during next month’s The Rugby Championship.

The attendance capacity for McDonald Jones Stadium will increase to just over 12,000 in line with COVID-19 requirements, meaning more rugby fans will be able to watch the Wallabies, All Blacks and The Pumas in person.

The games will bring a much-needed financial boon for the wider Hunter region with the two world-class matches expected to draw visitors from Sydney, wider NSW and, now with the travel-bubble in place, from New Zealand at a time when tourism has been fiercely impacted by COVID-19.

Venues NSW Acting CEO Joe Achmar said hosting the international rugby at McDonald Jones Stadium is the result of a collaborative effort with City of Newcastle and Destination NSW to deliver great sporting events for Newcastle fans and for the region’s visitor economy.