It’s arguably the worst kept secret in rugby league but now it’s official: Wests Tigers will once again use CommBank Stadium at Parramatta as their home ground.
In what will universally be an unpopular decision by new club supremo Shane Richardson, CommBank Stadium will host four Wests Tigers home games in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
The CEO says one of the reasons for playing four home games a season in the heart of enemy territory was uncertainty over the other two home grounds at Campbelltown and Leichhardt during the next three years.
Campbelltown Sports Stadium, pictured above, will host four games in 2025 and 2026, with an option for the 2027 season.
This season Campbelltown Sports Stadium was allocated five matches, two of which were sell-outs.
Leichhardt Oval will host three home games plus the team’s last trial match, in 2025 and 2026, with an option for the 2027 season.
Richardson talked up the positives of playing home games in a venue located in the heart of the Parramatta CBD.
“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,’’ he said.
“It will also provide significant commercial opportunities that are needed for Wests Tigers to grow and become a top four club.”
According to the media release issued earlier today, Wests Tigers will also continue to support the NRL’s Magic Round with a home game to be played as part of the Brisbane extravaganza in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
The club says it 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.
It says Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Sports Stadium will be undergoing much-needed improvements over the next couple of years, which will 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.
“A joint venture will always face difficulties around venue selection,” says 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.’’
