A Newcastle wrestling committee held an annual wrestling card at Easter through the mid 19th century, and the grounds south of the Old Infirmary was held as the venue on at least one occasion in 1849. Until the wrestling grounds near the current site of the arena, locations were fluid each year. In 1846 The "Spital" was used, which was very probably where Central stands today and was owned by the railway at this stage.

A piece in the Newcastle Journal provides a detailed account of the card in the April of 1846. It was held on the Easter Monday in the "spacious enclosure" at the Spital, the use of which was granted for the occasion by the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway. The arrangements were on an extensive scale, and every provision was made for the comfortable accommodation of spectators. The ring was double staked and corded, and a spacious hustings was erected. The attendance was extremely numerous on both days, and much interest appeared to be excited by the proceedings. There were several first rate wrestlers present from Westmorland and Cumberland (where the roots of this strand of the sport originated), and a special train was provided for their accommodation by the Newcastle & Carlisle.

The Spital was named after St Mary's Hospital, an ancient institution which became an important centre for administration in the city. The remaining parts of the building were demolished in 1844 to make way for Neville Street, so the wrestling grounds were very likely on site of Central Station.