Knights fans, this is your chance to defend the kingdom on home turf.
The home of the mighty Newcastle Knights will be packed with a cast of thousands, as the state government opens McDonald Jones Stadium for Sunday's grand final.
Knights fans who can't make it to Sydney will be able to cheer on the team at a free live site surrounded by fellow supporters.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said that with tickets to Accor Stadium almost impossible to get, where better to watch the Knights battle the Sydney Roosters than their "spiritual home" on Turton Road.
"Venues NSW have worked with the Knights and all concerned to make this the place to be if you can't get to Sydney," Ms Catley said.
"They'll be firing up the big screens and making it as close as it can be to being there in person.
"I fully expect Knights fans will fill three-quarters of Accor Stadium in Sydney and maybe fill McDonald Jones Stadium as well. The whole Hunter is behind our boys."
Gates will open at 3.30pm, with the NRLW grand final between the Roosters and Broncos broadcast live on the big screens, before the Knights take on the Roosters in the teams' first NRL grand final clash.
Fans are invited to bring a picnic rug and watch the action from the field of play, or enjoy the grand final atmosphere from the grandstands.
Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper said Sunday would mark a fantastic moment for Newcastle and rugby league fans across the Hunter.
"Whether watching from the field with the family or from the grandstands with friends, this will be a great way for Novocastrians to come together and be part of what promises to be a very special night," Mr Kamper said.
Food and beverage outlets at the stadium will be open for the free community event.
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the city was ready to defend the kingdom.
"This is our team, our town and our time. Up the Newcastle Knights," Mr Crakanthorp said.
Fans are encouraged to wear their red and blue, soak up the atmosphere and get behind the Newcastle Knights as they chase their third NRL premiership.
Free tickets will be available via Ticketmaster on Thursday at 10am, and entry will be via gates two and three.
Knights Group chief commercial officer Jodie Cross said the team appreciates the support of all the fans and members who bought tickets to Accor Stadium for the grand final.
"However if they have been unsuccessful in purchasing tickets, the next best option is to watch the game live at our home, the kingdom, McDonald Jones Stadium," Ms Cross said.
"The sense of pride this team has created in our community is truly amazing and overwhelming.
"There is no doubt we have the most avid and loyal supporters in the game."
For fans further north, Maitland City Council will host a free NRL grand final live site at Maitland Regional Sportsground on Sunday. Fans will have the chance to watch the decider together on a 10-metre big screen, with gates opening from 3.30pm for a screening of the 1997 NRL grand final where the Knights beat the Sea Eagles and family-friendly activities before the game kicks off at 7.30pm.
