The highly anticipated F3 Derby is set to change its battleground, in a move orchestrated through collaborative efforts between the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), Venues NSW, Newcastle Jets, and the Central Coast Mariners.
The decision has been made, and the clash between the Newcastle Jets and the Central Coast Mariners is now slated to unfold at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford.
This decision, reached last Friday through unanimous agreement among the involved parties, stems from the need to navigate ongoing turf renovations after a recent Supercross spectacle at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The upcoming face-off, initially earmarked for Saturday, November 25, has been relocated to Industree Group Stadium, ensuring the recovery of the playing surface in Newcastle.
However, in the spirit of fair play and collaboration, the Central Coast Mariners have graciously consented to relinquish their home advantage for the F3 Derby.
This move allows the fixture to proceed as planned next weekend, an essential consideration given the congested schedule, particularly with the looming presence of the AFC Cup.
Exploring every conceivable option to make the F3 Derby a reality became imperative.
As a ripple effect of this fixture shuffle, mark your calendars for a reversed Isuzu UTE A-League Round 19 clash.
Originally slated for Gosford, this bout will now unfold in Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium, but not until Saturday, March 2, 2024. It’s a tactical adjustment with a future date in mind.
Adding another layer to the schedule manoeuvering, the Liberty A-League Round 19 double header, initially set for March 2, 2024, between the Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide United at Industree Group Stadium, will experience a rescheduling shuffle.
The new date for this clash is yet to be confirmed but is expected to surface in the coming weeks.
Anticipation now builds for the relocated F3 Derby at Industree Group Stadium on the evening of November 25, with kick-off scheduled for 5:30 pm.
The privilege of attending all F3 Derby matches extends to season ticket holders of both the Central Coast Mariners and the Newcastle Jets.
The stage is set, the stakes are high for the Mariners, and football aficionados are in for a treat at Industree Group Stadium next Saturday November 25.