Maitland mayor Philip Penfold has proposed upgrading Maitland Sportsground to host the Newcastle Jets, following a standoff between the A-League club and Venues NSW over a security bond. The Newcastle Herald reported on Saturday that Venues NSW, a NSW government agency, is demanding a $300,000 upfront bond from the Jets to hire McDonald Jones Stadium this season. Venues NSW has warned it will take action unless the Jets pay $250,000 by next Wednesday.
The Jets, under new ownership, agreed to pay $300,000 last year due to the club's history of non-payment under previous owners and have cleared outstanding debts. This year, the club proposed a fairer arrangement, offering to pay two games in advance, but Venues NSW rejected the offer. The Jets have 13 home games scheduled at McDonald Jones Stadium, which has a capacity of 30,000.
Mayor Penfold said the standoff highlights the need for a 10,000 to 12,000-seat stadium in the region. He described the $300,000 bond as 'preposterous' and argued that Venues NSW should not presume they are the only option. Maitland Sportsground, owned and managed by the council, underwent redevelopment eight years ago and has a 1,100-seat grandstand and enhanced amenities, but its capacity is about 8,000 and it lacks corporate facilities.
Penfold said the council is willing to explore upgrade costs and plans, but funding would need to come from the state or federal government. The Jets' A-League Men's team already uses Maitland Sportsground as a training facility and has played Australia Cup matches there. The A-League Women's side has also played in Maitland and has one home game scheduled there this season.
The mayor emphasized that the Newcastle Jets are a regional club representing more than just Newcastle. He said Maitland is happy to be part of the conversation, adding that Coffs Harbour council has also reached out to the Jets about hosting games. The Jets men will play Brisbane Roar at Sunshine Coast Stadium, a medium-sized regional facility.
