Where to watch the Knights' next finals clash

The Newcastle Knights have locked in their next finals venue, so the only question left is where you'll be when the game kicks off. Whether you're heading to McDonald Jones Stadium to be part of the crowd or settling in at a pub with a cold drink, Newcastle has plenty of ways to take it in. The Knights, the black-and-white club founded in 1988, are coming off a big 2026, so the city is well in the mood for another finals run.

If you want the official experience, Wests City at the corner of Union and King Streets in Newcastle West is the place to be. It's the official bar of the Newcastle Knights and home to NEX, which pulls some of the biggest events in town, so it's built for a game night. There are big screens for NRL, cricket and UFC, plus TAB and Keno facilities if you're having a flutter. The food side is just as strong: Fire & Stone Pizzeria does hand-stretched dough from a wood-fired oven, and Kingstown Bar is the dedicated sports hub within the venue. Both it and 32 Degrees South take their menus from head chef Matt Skelton. It opens 10am to 3am every day of the week, with 78 underground spaces if you're driving in, and members get 10% off food and 15% off drinks.

Over in Cooks Hill, The Del Hotel on Darby Street is the other big name for sport. It's a locally owned Australian bistro that reopened in 2025 after a refurb, and it claims the largest screens in town, running NRL, UFC, AFL and cricket live and loud. The downstairs space centres on a custom-made circular stone bar, and the upstairs can be set up for a more casual get-together. The kitchen leans on the Hunter Valley, with local steaks, sourdough pizzas and share plates like crumbled olives and hot honey fried chicken. It's open from 10am, closing at midnight most nights, and it's built to be accessible, so it's an easy pick for a group.

For a dedicated sports bar, The Commy on Union Street is hard to beat. It's built around a 180-inch big screen and fifteen 85-inch TVs, so there's no fighting for a view, and it covers everything from the footy finals to UFC, NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. It runs late, too, closing at 4am Monday to Saturday, which suits a late-night game. If you'd rather something a bit quieter, The Happy Wombat on Hunter Street is a comfortable restaurant and bar with a serious craft beer list — it's one of only 11 venues in Australia stocking Wellington-based breweries.

Beyond those, the options spread right across the region. The Bennett Hotel in Hamilton runs drink specials on all Knights games, The Cricketer's Arms in Cooks Hill has screens in the pub and the beer garden, and The Cross Keys in Tighes Hill, relaunched in early 2026 by the Grain Store team, screens all week. The Duke of Wellington in New Lambton and General Roberts Hotel nearby are both close to McDonald Jones Stadium if you're heading in early or staying on after. Out towards the coast, The Beach Hotel in Merewether and The Prince of Merewether are the locals to know, while The Oak in Tighes Hill and The Nags Head in Adamstown both have the screens and the game-day specials to make a night of it. Wherever you land, the city's set up to make sure you don't miss a tackle.