The Jets and Venues NSW announced on Friday a new five-year partnership, through to the end of the 2020/21 A-League season.

Newcastle Jets CEO Lawrie McKinna said the agreement is significant for the Jets as it “guarantees Newcastle Jets an improved deal to play at Newcastle’s premier sporting venue for a further five years”.

“The facilities at McDonald Jones Stadium for supporters, players and officials are among some of the best in the nation, so we are certainly proud to call the venue home and continue our long-running association with Venues NSW,” he said.

“Newcastle Jets is also committed to work closely with stadium management and Venues NSW officials to try to help them add other exciting events, possibly including high-profile friendly matches with touring international teams, to their schedule in the future.”

Venues NSW chairman John Quayle said they were very pleased to continue the strong relationship with Newcastle Jets.

“Every Jets game will provide an exceptional opportunity to showcase Newcastle and the Hunter region to the thousands of fans attending and the huge broadcast audience watching across Australia and beyond,” Quayle said.

McDonald Jones Stadium, formerly known as Hunter Stadium, is now part of the NSW Government’s portfolio along with ANZ Stadium and Pirtek Stadium in Sydney, WIN Stadium and Entertainment Centre in Wollongong and our neighbours the Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showground.

McDonald Jones Stadium has a capacity of 33,000 people.