Hunter Stadium to get new pitch before 2015 Asian Cup

More than $1 million will be spent resurfacing the pitch at Newcastle's Hunter stadium to prepare for the 2015 Asian Cup.

The NSW Government will contribute most of the money for the work that will bring the playing surface up to the international standard required by the Local Organising Committee of AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 and the Asian Football Confederation.

Defending champions Japan will start their campaign against Palestine at Hunter Stadium on the 12th January next year.

Newcastle MP Tim Owen says he has been lobbying for the resurfacing for some time, stating "I'm very very happy that (the NSW) Government are going to contribute $1 million towards a $1.25 million resurfacing cost.

"It's very very important to the Asian Cup but more importantly it's the key venue for the Knights and the Jets so they are play on it regularly.

The reconstruction work will commence after the Knights final home game of the 2014 NRL season with Jets A-league matches to be played as away-games until November while the new surface is laid and settles.

Newcastle Jets Chief Executive Robbie Middleby has welcomed the resurfacing announcement as a major development for football in the Hunter region, stating “work has been needed on the Hunter Stadium playing surface for a long time, but as a Club we’re delighted this will take place during September and October.

“(This) news shows the bright future the sport has and this decision will please football fans across the region.”

Hunter Stadium had been condemned by A-League captains for having the worst playing surface in the A-League during the 2013/14 season.

The Stadium is one of five venues for the Asian Cup and will host and, beyond the Japan v Palestine clash, will host a further group game on 17th January, a semi-final - on 27th January, and the third place play-off on 30th January.

4th April 2014 - HUNTER STADIUM PLAYING SURFACE A CAUSE FOR CONCERN