As operating costs rise Council considers options for Central Coast Stadium

February 5, 2021

Facing declining usage and operating losses of up to $1.4 million a year, the Central Coast Council is considering options for the future of its Central Coast Stadium.

Built in 2000 and home to the A-League's Central Coast Mariners, fan numbers at the venue have declined in recent years with it incurring annual operating losses of between $840,000 to $1.4 million.

A report to the Council, the Central Coast Stadium Final Strategy, which was deferred at Council meeting this week, suggests a range of strategies for the venue including attracting more events as well as trying to again attract a naming rights sponsor. It suggest that the Council also look contracting out venue management rights indicating there had been “sufficient interest” in such an opportunity.

The Report also noted that fan numbers have been dropping since 2017/18 and while the stadium continues to host A-League and NRL matches, things are set to change at the Gosford venue.

However, the Council's interim Administrator Dick Persson deferred the strategy for three meetings to give staff time to speed up timelines for strategies outlined in the report.

Pearson, who was appointed as Administrator for the Council in October last year after it amassed debts of more than $550 million, told Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph “I am not happy with elements of (the strategy)", noting "part of the stadium strategy is the relationship with the Mariners. It requires an anchor tenant. I have met with the anchor tenant and there are things they are looking for us to expedite to try and make their business better and make people’s experiences better.”

He said deadlines for certain strategies were the end of 2023 or 2022 which was “too long away” and needed to be advanced.

The report advises "the stadium is under-utilised with a relatively limited event calendar both in quantity and diversity of events."

When the report was out for community consultation, issues raised included expensive food and drinks, lack of parking, a desire for more markets/concerts and the lack of activities/accommodation around the stadium. There was also a strong desire from the community for council to continue working with the Mariners and NRL.

The report stated there was a decline in average spectators at Mariners games between 2017/18 to 2018/19 from an average of 6,795 to 5,032 per match and while noting that while NRL attendance was strong, the Mariners brought in more fans annually.

The report states that council’s aim for the stadium is for it to be recognised as a 'Tier 2' venue which has a capacity between 20,000 to 40,000, corporate facilities and the ability to be a home ground for national sporting teams.

It also outlines plans to provide more opportunities for home-team, national and international sports, greater variety of entertainment and top class amenities along with food at reasonable prices.

While keen to continue its relationship with the Mariners, the Council has set a number of targets including having 40 major events a year, staying on top of maintenance and increasing fan stay and spend.

Image: The Central Coast Stadium's picturesque location on Brisbane Water.

22nd January 2021 - A-League’s Western United gets planning approval for new Wyndham City Stadium

8th January 2021 - Venues NSW tells Sydney fans not to attend tonight’s A-League and W-League games in Newcastle

31st December 2020 - A-League completes separation from Football Australia

1st November 2020 - Mariners to partner with Central Coast Sports College

11th September 2020 - Central Coast sporting facility upgrades promote active lifestyles

17th August 2020 - NRL warns of ‘strongest possible’ penalties for racial abuse by fans at Central Coast Stadium

4th August 2020 - Owner looks to sell A-League’s Central Coast Mariners

19th February 2020 - Ticketek introduces contactless tickets at Central Coast Stadium

9th December 2019 - Fund manager takes on Co-Chairman role at Central Coast Mariners

2nd September 2019 - New concert venue planed as part of NSW Central Coast entertainment and cultural precinct

22nd September 2017 - Upgrades completed at Central Coast sporting facility

10th January 2017 - Mariners reveal bold development plans for Central Coast Stadium

5th December 2016 - Council looks to sell naming rights for Central Coast Stadium

17th November 2016 - Mariners look to purchase Central Coast Stadium

29th April 2016 - Mariners Centre of Excellence a growing hub for Central Coast sport

29th September 2015 - Central Coast Mariners partnership to boost regional tourism

2nd July 2015 - Mariners commit to Central Coast Stadium

15th May 2015 - Central Coast Mariners move forward with Centre of Excellence

17th March 2014 - Gosford City Council’s new approach to management of Central Coast Stadium

10th August 2013 - Central Coast Mariners look to manage Gosford’s Bluetongue Stadium

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