First look at Newcastle's new entertainment centre

Newcastle's new 12,000-seat entertainment centre will attract up to 160 events a year and inject an additional $400 million in economic benefit over the next decade, according to the state government.

The long-awaited project, received $14 million for planning works in this week's state budget, is also expected to create 610 construction jobs and 133 continuing jobs in the precinct.

A series of new artists' impressions of the project, to be located next to McDonald Jones Stadium as part of a live sport, entertainment and lifestyle precinct, will be unveiled on Friday.

"This is the first piece of the puzzle in transforming Broadmeadow into a world-class sport, entertainment and lifestyle precinct," Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.

"For too long, Newcastle has had the talent, the fans and the energy - but not the venue to match.

"That starts to change today. This is a major vote of confidence in Newcastle and the Hunter. It means more concerts, more visitors, more jobs and more to love about our region."

Australian boxer and Newcastle crowd favourite Nikita Tszyu will also be on hand on Friday.

"Fighting at the new arena would be a huge honour, and I'd love the opportunity to help open the venue with its first major event," he said.

"Some of my best memories have come from here in Tszyu-castle, and a new world-class arena would be a game-changer for boxing and major events in the Hunter."

The existing entertainment centre was built 33 years ago with the intention of being a temporary structure.

Relocating the arena is the first key move to unlock the precinct for future hotel, commercial and residential development to create a year-round destination.

It also continues the transformation of the precinct, which is home to McDonald Jones Stadium, the Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence and the Newcastle International Hockey Centre.

"The existing entertainment centre reached its end-of-life decades ago. This investment unlocks the next chapter for Newcastle," Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said.

"A new world-class arena will give the Hunter the facilities it deserves and the pulling power to attract major events, international artists and elite sport all year round.

"This is a once-in-a-generation moment to finally deliver the sporting and entertainment infrastructure Newcastle and the Hunter deserves."

Together with the opening of Newcastle International Airport, Newcastle is rapidly becoming a powerhouse for the regional visitor economy, creating jobs, driving local business and showcasing the Hunter to the world.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the state government was committed to growing regional NSW tourism and securing international concerts and other major events that attract visitors year-round to regional hubs will deliver real economic benefits to local communities.

"The Newcastle Entertainment Centre has welcomed the likes of Kylie Minogue, John Farnham, and even Taylor Swift to its stage, as well as many more. That legacy will live on in the new Newcastle Arena, set to bring 160 performances each year," Mr Crakanthorp said.

"Newcastle is NSW' second largest city, we not only deserve but need a world-class entertainment centre and precinct, and this government is committed to delivering that."

The Newcastle Arena will be the catalyst for the delivery of the Broadmeadow Placemaking Strategy and is aligned with the Hunter Regional Plan 2036 and the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036.

The broader redevelopment will deliver more housing and green space, improved transport connections, accessible and safe walking and cycle paths, and a new outdoor plaza for events and live site activations.

Tributes & Funerals Notices

Hay, Peter
2026

Published 24 Jun

Howard, Maxwell
2026

Published 24 Jun

Mann, Grace
2026

Published 24 Jun

Mcaliece, Mervyn
2026

Published 24 Jun
More Tributes & Funerals Notices