Finding parking for Newcastle Knights games at McDonald Jones Stadium can seem daunting, but with the right information and preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide quick answers to common questions about parking for Knights games to give you an overview of your options.
Where can I park for free near the stadium?
Unfortunately, there is no free parking available directly around McDonald Jones Stadium on event days. The stadium is located in a residential area with limited street parking, so most spots fill up extremely early with local residents. Your best bet for finding any free street parking is to arrive several hours before the game starts to grab a spot at least 1km or more away from the venue and be prepared for a decent walk.
What are the main car parks at the stadium?
There are two main dedicated event parking areas at McDonald Jones Stadium that require pre-purchased parking passes:
- West Car Park – Enter via Parkway Ave, has 1,000 spaces
- East Car Park – Enter via Bruce St, has 500 spaces
Passes for these main stadium lots need to be bought in advance online. They often sell out for big games, so make sure to plan ahead and purchase early.
How much does stadium parking cost?
Parking prices at the stadium lots are as follows:
Parking Area | Price |
---|---|
West Car Park | $20 |
East Car Park | $15 |
Prices may be higher for finals matches or other special events. There are also accessible parking spaces available for disabled parking permit holders in both lots.
Can I park at nearby shopping centres?
Some of the shopping centres and supermarkets around McDonald Jones Stadium allow event day parking, such as:
- Coles Waratah Village
- Aldi Jesmond
- Woolworths Jesmond
- Coles Jesmond
However, these spots are extremely limited and fill up fast. Most enforce 3-4 hour parking limits, so you may need to move your car part way through the game. Centre management may also choose to prohibit stadium parking on certain event days. Don’t rely on shopping centre parking without a backup plan.
Is street parking available?
There is some street parking around McDonald Jones Stadium, but it is scarce and highly contested. Most residential streets have parking restrictions allowing only 2P or 4P parking for a few hours at a time. You may be able to string together a few spots by moving your car occasionally, but run the risk of it being towed if you miscalculate times. Street parking more than 1km from the venue will be easier to find but involves a long walk.
Can I park on nearby grass verges?
Parking on grass verges around the stadium is illegal and discouraged. The original Newcastle Sports Ground allowed verge parking, creating problems for residents. Police now issue significant fines to illegal verge parkers near the new McDonald Jones Stadium location. Penalties in excess of $600 apply. Don’t risk it.
Are ride shares and taxis a good option?
Using services like Uber or regular taxis can be a convenient way to get dropped off right at McDonald Jones Stadium without parking. However, prices surge dramatically during peak demand times before and after games. There can also be extremely long waits for rides as countless others have the same idea. If opting for ride shares, have a backup plan if waits are excessive.
Is public transport a viable option?
McDonald Jones Stadium is serviced by a number of local bus routes, making public transport a feasible option for getting to Knights games. Buses 212, 224, 225, 230 and 232 all pass within walking distance of the venue. A shuttle bus also runs from Wickham train station on game days. Confirm routes and times on the Newcastle Transport website.
While less convenient than driving, public transport eliminates parking hassles. Just be sure to account for extra time to walk to the stadium from your stop. Bringing a snack and headphones can make longer transits more pleasant.
What’s the best approach for ensuring I get a park?
Here are some tips for maximizing your chances of parking with minimal hassle at Knights games:
- Pre-purchase passes for the main stadium lots well in advance
- Arrive at least 2-3 hours before game time if hoping for street parking
- Have backup options identified in case your first choice falls through
- Consider public transport or ride shares to avoid parking altogether
- Check all parking restrictions to avoid fines
- Don’t park illegally – police are out in force on game days
Securing a legal, convenient parking spot close to McDonald Jones Stadium on Knights game days requires planning and dedication. With high demand and limited supply around the venue, you need to put effort in to ensure you have a space locked down ahead of time. Last minute parking attempts will likely lead to disappointment and frustration.
What other events are held at McDonald Jones Stadium?
In addition to Newcastle Knights NRL games, McDonald Jones Stadium hosts various other sporting and entertainment events throughout the year that also attract large crowds. These include:
- A-League soccer – Newcastle Jets home games
- Rugby union – Super Rugby clashes
- Concerts – Local and international artists
- Monster truck shows
- Motorsports events
- School football championships
Parking is a challenge for all major events at the venue. If attending something other than the Knights, it pays to check the specific event website for parking details ahead of time so you can find a spot.
Does McDonald Jones Stadium have disabled parking?
Yes, there are dedicated accessible parking spaces available for disabled parking permit holders at Knights games and other stadium events. These are located in the main East and West car parks on either side of the venue. To use disabled parking, you must display a valid disabled parking permit.
Spaces are limited, so arrive early if you require accessible parking. Prices are also discounted compared to standard parking in the same lots. Check with the stadium ticket office if you have any questions about permits, fees or availability of spaces.
Can I park a campervan or large vehicle?
Standard parking spaces in the East and West lots at McDonald Jones Stadium are designed for cars and will not accommodate large vehicles. If you need to park a campervan, mini-bus, trailer or truck, you unfortunately may be out of luck.
There is currently no official oversized vehicle parking area for Knights games or other stadium events. Your only option is scoping out street parking on wider suburban roads at least 1km+ away and ensuring you comply with any restrictions.
If driving something particularly massive, it is best to consider public transport options instead of attempting to park close by. Catch a train to Wickham or Hamilton and walk or shuttle bus in to avoid headaches.
Where should visitors park when games are not on?
On non-event days, McDonald Jones Stadium is much quieter. If you are just coming for a stadium tour or to visit the on-site Knights merch shop, parking is much simpler.
Visitors can use the East Car Park off Bruce Street on weekdays for easy self-parking. This lot has a boom gate, but can be accessed for free outside of event days and operating hours. Parking restrictions are clearly signed.
There are also always spare spots along Parkway Ave or surrounding residential streets during non-peak times. Just be sure to avoid any marked permit zones and pay attention to signposted time limits.
Conclusion
Parking for major events at McDonald Jones Stadium can be a challenging process. With limited parking facilities around the venue and up to 30,000 people attending Knights games, competition for spaces is fierce. Securing a legal, convenient park requires advance planning and preparation.
The best approach is purchasing early bird parking in the main East or West lots online. For a cheaper option, public transport offers a solid alternative if you don’t mind walking from nearby bus or train stops. Street parking is extremely scarce closeby, so having backup options is essential.
With the right information and a proactive strategy, getting to Knights games or other stadium events doesn’t have to be a parking nightmare. Now you know where your best options lie, so you can look forward to enjoying matches rather than worrying about where to park your car!