- Newcastle Jets fans could be denied the chance to attend the game
- Due to a grandstand upgrade ahead of Rugby League World Cup
Should the Newcastle Jets win the Premiers Plate, they are primed to host the A-League grand final next month – but it will be in front of a reduced crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium.
It is due to the fact a grandstand at the multi-purpose venue – also home of the Newcastle Knights in the NRL – will be closed for maintenance and upgrading ahead of the Rugby League World Cup, which begins in October.
If the Jets host the decider on May 24, McDonald Jones Stadium will be able to cater for 27,500 fans.
The usual capacity at New Lambton is 33,000.
‘While not ideal timing during the A-League finals series, we’ve been working with the club, venue and our partners, and can confirm that should the Jets earn the right to host the (grand final) it will be played at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium,’ Australian Professional Leagues chief executive Steve Rosich told News Corp.
‘This is the club’s preference to lock in home advantage, and our collective ambition to reward the Jets’ faithful that have turned out in record numbers this year with a home grand final, should the Jets earn that right.
Should Newcastle Jets win the Premiers Plate they will host the A-League grand final next month – but it will be in front of a reduced crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium (pictured, star midfielder Max Burgess)
It is due to the fact a grandstand at the multi-purpose venue – also the home of the Newcastle Knights in the NRL – will be closed for maintenance and upgrading ahead of the Rugby League World Cup, which kicks-off in October (pictured, Jets young gun Eli Adams)
After winning the Australia Cup in the pre-season, Mark Milligan has done a terrific job keeping his youthful squad on their toes across the A-League campaign
‘The stadium is fantastic for football and would create an incredible grand final atmosphere.’
When McDonald Jones Stadium last hosted an A-League grand final in 2018, there were 29,410 supporters in attendance when the Jets lost 1-0 to Melbourne Victory.
Should Mark Milligan’s Jets beat Victory on Friday night at AAMI Park in Melbourne, second-placed Auckland FC would need to overcome the Central Coast Mariners on April 19 to ensure the battle for the premiership remains on the line until the final round of the regular season.
After winning the Australia Cup in the pre-season, Milligan has done a terrific job keeping his youthful squad on their toes from October onwards.
They have won 14 matches – three more than rivals Auckland FC and Sydney FC – despite lacking marquee stars from overseas.
The likes of Max Burgess, Eli Adams, Clayton Taylor and Lachlan Bayliss have been immense for the Jets, with a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite competition already secured ahead of next season.
Winning the double – in his first season in charge – would see Milligan attract interest abroad, just like he did in his decorated playing career.
Milligan chalked up 80 Socceroos caps, notably multiple World Cup appearances and winning the Asian Cup in 2015.
