Wests Tigers' venue strategy reveals plans for more NRL home matches at CommBank Stadium

NRL club Wests Tigers has unveiled its long-awaited home-ground strategy for 2025 and 2026 which will see it play four games at Sydney's CommBank Stadium and fewer regular-season matches at its traditional homes - Campbelltown Sports Stadium and Leichhardt Oval.

The Western Sydney team currently plays around half its home games at the 20,000 capacity Leichhardt Oval, opened in 1934, and other home fixtures at the 17,500 capacity Campbelltown venue.

However, with both of the Tigers' existing venues set to undergo improvements that will reduce the capacity during the construction phase, the team will drop the number of regular-season games at Leichhardt from five to three. Four regular-season matches will also be played at Campbelltown, with that number falling from five scheduled there this season.

Four home games will be played at the 30,000-capacity CommBank Stadium, home of Parramatta Eels, for the next three years.

The club said it 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.

Explaining that the stadium plan has been shaped by many factors, Wests Tigers Chief Executive, Shane Richardson stated "a joint venture will always face difficulties around venue selection.

“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 south-west 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.”

Uncertainty over the future of Leichhardt Oval prior to recent announcements of $40 million in funding to improve the ground had led to speculation that Tigers may leave the ageing venue.

Now, with the historic venue to also host a pre-season game in 2025 and 2026, Inner West Council Mayor, Byrne noted "Tigers fans will be relieved and excited to know that our famous ground will continue to host Wests Tigers games into the future.

"Importantly, the renovated Leichhardt Oval will become a hub for women's and girls sport, and we and we hope to host as many games as possible for the Wests Tigers NRLW Team.

"Council is about to commence the design of the Leichhardt Oval renovation and Shane Richardson as well as Sydney FC CEO, Mark Aubrey have agreed to be on the design panel."

The $40 million to renovate Leichhardt Oval 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 precinct which will be utilised by sporting teams from multiple codes and all levels.

Image. Credit: Wests Tigers 

Previously published as Wests Tigers announce continuation of play at Leichhardt Oval