Wests Tigers has unveiled its stadium plan for the next three years, with four games at CommBank Stadium and fewer regular-season matches at its traditional homes.
The National Rugby League (NRL) team released its long-awaited home-ground strategy for 2025 and 2026. The plan sees a reduction of matches at both its traditional suburban arenas, Campbelltown Stadium and Leichhardt Oval.
Tigers currently plays around half its home games at Leichhardt, which was opened in 1934 and has a capacity of 20,000. Tigers’ other games are currently played at the slightly smaller Campbelltown.
Looking forward, the Tigers will drop the number of regular-season games at Leichhardt from five to three. Four regular-season matches will be played at Campbelltown, with that number also down on the five scheduled there this season.
Both venues will be undergoing improvements over the next couple of years, which will reduce the capacity during the construction phase.
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.
CEO explains stadium rationale
Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson said the club’s stadia plan has been shaped by many factors.
“A joint venture will always face difficulties around venue selection,” said Richardson. “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.”
Richardson added: “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.”
