Image: Wests Tigers fans at Leichhardt Oval. Wests Tigers website.
by ASPEN ABNER
Wests Tigers have officially confirmed they will continue to play at ‘the eighth wonder of the world’ Leichhardt Oval for the next three years.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said, “Tigers fans will be relieved and excited to know that our famous ground will continue to host Wests Tigers games into the future.”
The club will play three NRL matches per season at Leichhardt Oval, as well as a pre-season game for 2025 and 2026.
The status of Leichhardt Oval was previously up in the air as NSW Premier Chris Minns claimed the state was in no financial position to contribute towards the stadium renovation. He had also refused to divert funds allocated for Penrith Stadium.
The Wests Tigers had long voiced concerns about the grounds’ conditions and facilities and had repeatedly threatened to leave the next season if conditions didn’t improve.
Inner West Council initially donated $10 million towards renovation, but it wouldn’t have been enough without state and federal assistance.
Mayor Byrne expressed his gratitude towards Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson and Chair Barry O’Farrell who helped to secure state and federal Government funding.
Last month, the federal government, NSW government, and Inner West Council announced a joint $40 million investment into Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval. This renovation will increase seating capacity by 3000 seats, a new northern grandstand, and new female changing rooms.
It will be combined with $40 million from the Inner West Council to upgrade Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre, which is next door to Leichhardt Oval.
This will create a Leichhardt sport and recreation sector for sporting teams of various levels and types, as well as for the general public for years to come.
The renovated stadium will also become a hub for women’s and girls’ sports.
