A-League’s Mariners confirm new partnership with Central Coast Stadium

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

The deal confirms that the Mariners will play at least 12 men’s home games per season at the 20,000 capacity venue, its home since 2005, as well as all fixtures of its new A-League Women’s team.

Commenting on the new three-year deal with stadium operator VenuesLive, Mariners Chief Executive Shaun Mielekamp said it will ensure that Mariners players and fans continue to enjoy the best sporting facilities and event-day experience in the region.

Mielekamp advised “we are working closely with VenuesLive and this new partnership also means that the Mariners will benefit from the overall success of the stadium going forward, which is a really positive outcome for our club.”

Mielekamp said the stadium partnership was further great news for the Central Coast Mariners, following the confirmation that the club will field a team in the A-League Women’s competition next season, noting “this is a very exciting time not only for our club but the entire Central Coast community. Every young footballer on the Central Coast can now see a pathway from grassroots all the way through to the national teams without having to leave their home on the Coast.

“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.”

Central Coast Stadium Venue Manager Kath Casey said the Mariners had become part of the sporting and social fabric of the region since entering the A-League as one of the foundation clubs.

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.”

Last month saw the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) confirm that the  Mariners will become the 12th team to join the Liberty A-League Women in the 2023/24 season. 

The addition of a 12th team means that the season will be extended to 22 rounds with a full home and away schedule, putting the Liberty A-League Women in line with global standards for match minutes and making it an even more competitive destination for elite players.

Image: Central Coast Mariners Chief Executive Shaun Mielekamp and Central Coast Stadium Venue Manager Kath Casey agree the new deal.