Fan Fest returns to McDonald Jones Stadium
The nib Newcastle Knights are excited to welcome our members, supporters and the wider Hunter community back to McDonald Jones Stadium for our annual Fan Fest - a free, open-to-all event taking place on Saturday 13 December from 9am-2pm.
Fan Fest is one of the most anticipated days of the year - a celebration of everything red and blue and the perfect chance to get closer to the players, coaches and Club you love.
Whether you’re a long-time member, a young family or a first-time fan, the day promises something for everyone as we bring Knights footy back to the heart of Newcastle.
| Fan Fest 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday, December 13 |
| Time: | 9am-2pm |
| Gates Open: | 8:30am |
| Open Training Session: | 9:30am |
| Team presented on Main Stage: | 11am |
| Signing Session: | 11:30am |
| Venue: | McDonald Jones Stadium |
Kick Off With Open Training & Exclusive Member Access
The day begins with an NRL open training session from 9-10am, giving fans a rare look at the squad in full flight as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 season.
Watch your favourite players run drills, connect with new teammates and put in the hard work as the countdown to Las Vegas continues.
From 9:30am, Knights Members can take advantage of a special change room tour experience, guided by past Knights greats. This behind-the-scenes opportunity offers a firsthand look at where the team prepares every week.
Sessions are 15 minutes and members must register for a time slot.
Not a 2026 Knights Member yet? Don’t delay lock in your 26 Membership by 14 December to secure exclusive access like this, plus automatically go into the draw to win 25 nights with Reflections Holidays or a $10,000 helloworld Hunter Travel Group travel voucher to follow the team to Vegas. Join Today.
Meet the Players & Enjoy Main Stage Entertainment
From 11am-1pm, all available NRL and NRLW players will be on site for photos, autographs and fan engagement.
Please note: While the full NRLW squad won’t be present, several NRLW players and Head Coach will be in attendance.
The heart of the Fan Fest atmosphere will be the main stage, where between 11-11:30am we’ll officially introduce the team for 2026.
Hear directly from players and coaching staff as they reflect on the new season, share early insights, and connect with supporters.
Activities, Entertainment & Family Fun All Day
Across the stadium precinct, fans can enjoy a huge range of entertainment and hands-on activities. Highlights include:
- Face painting and airbrush tattoos
- Giant games and an inflatable ball pit
- Petting zoo
- Mechanical Football ride
- DJ and music throughout the day
- Photo booth
- Dance Squad appearances
- Five Autograph Marquees operating from 11:30am-1pm
- Knights Membership and Knights Youth Co marquees
- Hunter Junior Rugby League engagement zone
- Ronald McDonald House and Westpac Rescue Helicopter stalls
- Multiple sponsor activations including Caltex, nib, University of Newcastle, McDonald’s, Triple M, Red Energy and McDonald Jones Homes.
Food and beverage outlets will be open on the Level 1 concourse, where 2026 Members can enjoy their member discount.
Merchandise will be available from the Level 1 outlet, with the Club Shop also open.
A Day for the Red & Blue
Fan Fest is a chance to celebrate our club, our community and the shared passion that makes game day at McDonald Jones Stadium so special.
Bring your friends, bring the family and enjoy a full day of footy, fun and all things red and blue.
We can’t wait to see you at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 13 December for Fan Fest 2025!
