Central Coast Council has confirmed that the management of Central Coast Stadium will be taken over by VenuesLive, one of Australia’s largest private stadium operators.
An announcement was made earlier this year the negotiations were underway for the management shift, with confirmation this week that it is now a done deal.
Council confirmed it would continue to own the stadium, with the venue also remaining home to the Central Coast Mariners and their games but these will be supplemented with a fresh program of events to appeal to large-scale audiences.
Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said VenuesLive would be a great fit in helping Central Coast Stadium reach its full potential.
“VenuesLive will bring their vast industry network to the venue, with the aim of gradually increasing the quantity and diversity of event offerings for the local community to enjoy,” Hart said.
“With VenuesLive having extensive experience in managing some of country’s most high-profile stadiums, I’m confident that a quality program of entertainment and sports events will be ahead at Central Coast Stadium.
“This partnership will allow for the opportunity to attract even more visitors to our region, providing a tourism boost to the local economy and hopefully generate revenue for local businesses.”
VenuesLive Managing Director, Daryl Kerry, said the company was delighted to have been appointed operator of Central Coast Stadium and is looking forward to working with stakeholders and the local community to build an exciting new era for the venue.
“Central Coast Stadium is one of Australia’s most picturesque venues and it also has the support of a passionate, vibrant local community who deserve a thriving sport and entertainment precinct,” Kerry said.
“We are thrilled to get the opportunity to work with Central Coast Council, the Stadium’s home club the Central Coast Mariners and key business stakeholders on the Coast, but we are also looking forward to listening to the fans who bring the colour, energy and excitement to the events.
“Central Coast Stadium has almost unlimited potential and we want to help take it to the next level and become a highly-successful hub of sport and entertainment, as well as welcoming business, community, charity and cultural activities on the magnificent Central Coast.”
VenuesLive operates three of Australia’s most iconic stadiums – Accor Stadium (Stadium Australia), Optus Stadium in Perth, and CommBank Stadium in Western Sydney, as well as providing catering services to other key venues including McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, WIN Stadium and Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium at Kogarah, Sydney Olympic Park Venues and Sydney Motorsport Park.
Central Coast Stadium will become the fourth stadium under the VenuesLive operational umbrella.
Council is due to begin the transition of management from the start of July.
Primary source: Media release, May 27, 2022, Central Coast Council