Newcastle greeted Sir Elton John with open arms, is preparing to host the Australian Supercross Championship later this year and will welcome superstar Pink to the city in early 2024.
However, according to McDonald Jones Stadium venue manager Dean Mantle, the best could be yet to come.
While several high-profile acts have been bandied about, without being locked in, the region’s premier arena remains well-placed to add a couple of big events to its schedule in the very near future.
“I haven’t got specific names as such but there’s certainly plenty of interest in our concert space,” he said.
“We’ve started pencilling in dates around November, as well as January and February.
“It might involve music or be something entirely different, you never know.
“What I will say is when the NRL season finishes, hopefully in September for the Knights’ sake, there are a lot of opportunities available.
“We’ve got huge prospects for what we can achieve this summer.
“We thought last year was massive, however there’s potential to go even bigger.
“Everyone’s received a taste of it, they really embraced it, and they’ve asked for more.
“That’s the feedback we’ve been given.
“So, whenever the community is asking for more, we’ll do our absolute best to make sure that we bring whatever we can to Newcastle.”
That includes the Australian Supercross Championship, which returns to McDonald Jones Stadium.
The marquee event, the AUSX Triple Crown, kicks off the series on Saturday 11 November.
In 2022, Hunter fans swarmed to the venue, proving its popularity across the region.
“Supercross was an event that we hadn’t done for so, so long and to bring it back in such a massive format, it was great,” Mantle said.
“It was huge and exciting.
“Plus, we had really positive feedback from the community.
“Everyone came out and supported it.
“We ended up with about 20,000 people here to see the action… and we’re expecting similar numbers again.
“That’s why we were keen to host it in 2023.
“It’s really important to obviously bring different events to the city, trying to attract residents from not only within Newcastle and the Hunter region but also people from throughout NSW and interstate.
“The stimulus for the visitor economy here in Newcastle is huge; last year I think it was just over $3 million.
“So, whenever we can, we’re going to try and maximise the potential of the venue.
“And, summer is a great chance for us to bring these different types of events.
“Promoters/organisers aren’t as keen to be here in the winter.
“So, it’s vital we take advantage of the opportunities over summer, not only for us as a business and a venue, but for the city itself.”
Adding to the Supercross atmosphere in 2023 will be the inaugural 85cc Cup.
It’s a move praised by Mantle.
“Overall, the event boasts a wide age appeal,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“It’s not only just the mad keen Supercross fans… it’s families, it’s kids, it’s everyone.
“There is something for everybody.
“So, it was a no-brainer [to bring it back].
“The introduction of the 85cc class for the younger guys, that’s really exciting.
“That’s another element, which will appeal to a wide audience.
“We’ll go as big as we possibly can.
“I’m predicting it will be a really exciting show.
“People can also interact with the stars and get access to the pit area; all of that stuff that made last year’s event such a success.”
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