Could Maitland be the answer for the Jets? This mayor thinks so
The Newcastle Jets and Venues NSW are in conflict over what Mayor Philip Penfold calls a “preposterous” security bond. Penfold suggests that an upgraded Maitland Sportsground could serve as a home venue for the Jets, following reports of a standoff between the A-League club and Venues NSW regarding McDonald Jones Stadium.
The dispute over McDonald Jones Stadium
According to the Newcastle Herald, Venues NSW, a state government agency managing several major venues, demanded a 300,000-dollar upfront bond to rent McDonald Jones Stadium for the current season. The agency reportedly warned that legal action might follow if the Jets do not pay 250,000 dollars by next Wednesday.
Last year, the club’s new owners agreed to the higher bond amount, largely due to past unpaid debts from former owners, which have since been settled.
Jets propose a new arrangement
Trying to rebuild stability after years of financial challenges, the Jets put forward a revised payment plan. They offered to pay two home games in advance for the 13 matches scheduled at McDonald Jones Stadium, but Venues NSW declined the offer.
Lack of alternatives in the region
Currently, there is no other suitable stadium in the area for the Jets’ men’s team apart from McDonald Jones Stadium, which seats 30,000 spectators. The ongoing dispute underscores the growing need for a mid-sized stadium with a capacity of 10,000 to 12,000 seats in the region.
“An upgraded Maitland Sportsground could be a practical solution for the Jets,” stated Mayor Philip Penfold.
Author’s Summary
The conflict between the Newcastle Jets and Venues NSW has sparked a proposal to use Maitland Sportsground, revealing deeper issues with the region’s lack of suitable stadiums.