Council Invites Sydney FC to Make Leichhardt Oval Home

Friday 24 November 2017

Council will be officially inviting Sydney FC to make Leichhardt Oval their home ground for two years while the Sydney Football Stadium is being rebuilt from late 2018.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said discussions have been scheduled between Council and Sydney FC to bring the reigning Hyundai A-League Premiers and Champions to the Inner West.

“With confirmation today that the Government will proceed with rebuilding Allianz Stadium at Moore Park in 2018, Sydney FC will need a new home for two seasons,” he said.

“This magnificent ground is and always will be a spiritual home of Wests Tigers but there's no reason we can't paint Leichhardt Oval sky blue in the summer season.

“Imagine the best suburban rugby league ground in the world filled with up to 20,000 football fans every second weekend - the atmosphere would be electric.

“The inner west is already right in the heart of the Sydney FC membership base - imagine the Sydney derby played at Leichhardt Oval.”

Cr Byrne said this outcome also presents an enormous opportunity to boost our local economy and bring Norton Street back to life.

“With all the investment we have made in improving Leichhardt Oval in the last few years, the pitch is in excellent condition and is ready to host first class football,” he said.

“It has already played host to multiple FFA Cup games as well provided a first class training base for both the Socceroos during their recent World Cup campaign as well as many visiting national football teams including during the 2015 Asian Cup.”