The Wests Tigers will keep playing at their two suburban venues for the next 15 years after securing more than $100m in government funding.
More than $100m in government funding will keep the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Sports Stadium after fears the club would leave the suburban venues if they weren’t upgraded.
The 15-year stadium strategy was announced on Monday morning after a lengthy stalemate between the club and various government branches, with Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson threatening to abandon Campbelltown back in April if they couldn’t secure funding.
The Tigers have played home games at the two suburban venues and CommBank Stadium this season, with the club now committing its long-term NRL and NRLW future to its two spiritual homes.
Leichhardt Oval was at its brilliant best on Sunday afternoon but needs an urgent facelift, while Campbelltown remains a key strategic area for the club given how many junior stars come from the region.
There had been calls to stop playing at the venues due to the poor facilities, but a move to a major stadium is off the cards for now.
Richardson announced the funding during Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys, with the commercial terms and the breakdown of how many games to be played at each venue to be finalised soon.
“We face a unique set of challenges as a joint-venture club and it was vitally important to ensure this strategy supported the long-term financial sustainability of the Wests Tigers while maintaining a strong connection to the communities we represent,” he said in a club statement.
“We set a very clear vision for the club, and this strategy is a significant part of that. It lays the platform for an exciting period for our members and supporters and we look forward to sharing more developments on these projects as they are finalised.”
Tigers chairman Barry O’Farrell spruiked the significance of the announcement that included more than $100m in funding across local, state and federal governments.
That includes a $50 million redevelopment of Leichhardt Oval supported by a partnership between Inner West Council, the NSW government and federal government, with construction on the venue to begin at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
“Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Sports Stadium are significant to the rich history of the Wests Tigers, our foundation clubs and our members and supporters,” O’Farrell said.
The intended $50m for the redevelopment of Campbelltown Sports Stadium will improve amenities for players, fans and also help support the club’s community programs.
Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound, explained how important the agreement was to the community, with the commitment to suburban grounds a win for fans who don’t want to see their team play at state-of-the-art venues that don’t have a connection to the club, even if it makes economic sense to play there.
“I’m pleased to see Wests Tigers commitment to Campbelltown and our community and confirm their intention to play at Campbelltown Sports Stadium for the long term,” Lound said.
“Our city has a storied history in rugby league and a passionate Wests Tigers fanbase who turn out to see their hometown team play at the stadium.
“The Campbelltown community has stood behind the Wests Tigers and built strong connections over many years. This commitment will see the futures of many aspiring young players continue to have a pathway to professional sport and for the fans, it’s a great win for the game.”
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