The Newcastle Knights have confirmed McDonald Jones Stadium will be thrown open for the grand final on Sunday afternoon, giving local fans a chance to watch the game with other supporters of the club.
Tickets for the grand final sold out in record time on Monday morning, with the NRL's sales process criticised by fans after members appeared to be not given their pre-sale window.
The Knights however have confirmed that stadium management and government have agreed to open the ground on Sunday, with the game to be shown on the big screens.
The Knights have confirmed that tickets to the live site at McDonald Jones Stadium will be free, however, must be redeemed through Ticketmaster from 10am on Thursday to ensure the ground doesn't exceed safe capacity.
The club have confirmed gates will be opened at 3:30pm (AEDT) - four hours ahead of kick-off - with fans encouraged to use picnic blankets on the field, while grandstand seating will also be available. Food and beverage options will also be open within the precinct.
If the Knights win, Sunday evening will see the biggest party the town has had since their 2001 premiership win.
Grand final fever has gripped the city, with an estimated 12,000 fans turning up to training at McDonald Jones Stadium on Wednesday in the club's only open hit out prior to the decider.
Knights fans travelled en-masse last weekend for their preliminary final victory over the Penrith Panthers, with 57,000 in attendance - and well over half of those Knights fans according to sales data released by the NRL in the lead-up to the contest.
