‘Best interests of this club’: Wests Tigers lock in three stadium policy for home matches
The Wests Tigers have locked in their home grounds for the next three years, with CommBank Stadium, Campbelltown Sports Stadium and Leichhardt Oval set to split the hosting rights.
There has been plenty of conjecture over where the joint venture should play its games, with Leichhardt Oval receiving $40m in funding from the federal, state and local government to help modernise the “eighth wonder of the world” that has been criticised for its facilities.
Wayne Pearce and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated the funding announcement for Leichhardt Oval earlier this year. NewsWire / John Appleyard Credit: News Corp Australia
The club confirmed on Monday that CommBank Stadium in Parramatta would host four matches in 2025, 2026 and 2027, with Campbelltown to also host four games in 2025 and 2026, with an option for the 2027 season.
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Leichhardt will host three NRL matches as well as the club’s final trial match in 2025 and 2026, with an option in place for 2027.
The Tigers will also continue to host a match at Suncorp Stadium during Magic Round for each of the next three seasons, but the club has ended its partnership with Tamworth.
“The club has arrived at this three-year stadium policy after months of detailed planning, consultation, customer research and negotiations involving key stakeholders, including councils and venue operators,” a club statement read.
“Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Sports Stadium will be undergoing much-needed improvements over the next couple of years, which will undoubtedly reduce the capacity at these venues during the construction phase.
“A decision on playing home games at these venues in the 2027 season will not be made until construction timelines and ground capacities have been confirmed.”
Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson explained the challenges of reaching a decision like this, with the club to call CommBank home for the first time since 2022.
The call to reduce Leichhardt games from five in 2024 back to three as we’ve seen in recent years will upset locals who generate a unique atmosphere at the suburban ground.
“A joint venture will always face difficulties around venue selection,” Richardson said.
“Our members and fans know that we will always make decisions which we believe are in the best interests of this club.
“A longer-term decision on home grounds cannot be made until we have all the details around stadium improvements and construction timelines.
“We are excited and proud to continue building our community in the southwest and Macarthur region, and playing games in Campbelltown is a big part of that.
“Equally, we look forward to the improvements at Leichhardt Oval so that we can continue to call it our home as well.
“CommBank Stadium is an amazing place to watch footy which will give our members first-class facilities to enjoy the Wests Tigers’ match day experience.
“It will also provide significant commercial opportunities that are needed for Wests Tigers to grow and become a top-four club.”