The new-look Weston Bears Park will host an Australia Cup football match at 2pm on Sunday 26 July, as Weston Bears FC take on A-League side Melbourne City FC in the tournament's round of 32 fixture.
It comes after Cessnock City Council performed a major overhaul of Weston Bears Park thanks to a $3 million grant from the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program, turning the venue into one of the region's premier sporting facilities.
The upgrades, which were officially unveiled in March 2026, included a refurbished grandstand to incorporate a new clubroom, canteen, office, and members' space, as well as construction of new team changerooms, referee facilities, and a gym. A new carpark and landscaping were also part of the project.
Cessnock City Mayor Dan Watton said he was thrilled Cessnock LGA was hosting the match.
"The impressive upgrades completed earlier this year certainly make Weston Bears Park a fitting location to host a major team like Melbourne City," said Mayor Watton.
"It will be wonderful to see the community fill this state-of-the-art facility and throw their support behind the Bears as they take on a formidable opponent."
The Australia Cup is an annual knock-out competition involving football sides from all tiers of the game across the country - right up to the A-League.
Established in 1907, Weston Bears FC is one of Australia's most historic football clubs and is currently represented in the Northern NSW division of the men's National Premier League.
Visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/Whats-On/Weston-Bears-vs-Melbourne-City for more information, including details of how to book tickets.
