Operations

A-League’s Mariners extend stay at Central Coast Stadium

Featured image credit: Central Coast Mariners

Australian A-League football club Central Coast Mariners has struck a new deal to continue playing at Central Coast Stadium until the 2025-26 season.

The deal locks in at least 12 men’s home games per season at the stadium, as well as all women’s fixtures. The Mariners agreed the deal with stadium operator VenuesLive.

The team has played at the 20,000-capacity Central Coast Stadium since 2005. Shaun Mielekamp, chief executive of the Mariners, said the new deal with VenuesLive will ensure the team benefits from the “overall success” of the stadium going forward.

Mielekamp said: “Playing at Central Coast Stadium is integral to everything that we are passionate about as a club. VenuesLive and the Mariners are focused on making the stadium accessible to everyone and building the event-day experience into something that is very special for families and football fans on the Coast.

“We now have designated change rooms for men’s and women’s football, a fantastic playing surface and, of course, stunning views. Our club and the Central Coast region have got things that other clubs just can’t buy.”

Venue manager Kath Casey added: “We are excited for the opportunity to work in partnership with the Mariners. The Mariners, in so many ways, are the heart and soul of sport in our region and the stadium is the hub of elite sport and entertainment on the Coast.

“We can all look forward to seeing the Mariners’ men’s and women’s teams playing at Our Paradise well into the future. At VenuesLive, we recognise the opportunity we have to make a positive impact on our community and we are committed to elevating the event-day experience while delivering positive outcomes for both the Mariners and the Central Coast region.”

Central Coast Stadium, which opened in 2000, also hosts NRL games played by the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs. During the 2020 and 2021 NRL seasons, the stadium hosted the Auckland-based Vodafone Warriors due to COVID-19 travel restrictions between Australia and New Zealand.