Painting the Inner West “Sky Blue”

Inner West Council will make sure the Inner West paints the town “Sky Blue” for two Sydney FC games at Leichhardt Oval in the New Year.

The three-time A-League Premiers are making Leichhardt, the SCG and Kogarah Ovals their temporary home while Allianz Stadium is rebuilt over the next three years.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said that having a prestigious and internationally recognised club like Sydney FC based out of Leichhardt Oval was a great coup and a boost for local businesses.

“Leichhardt Oval is and always will be a spiritual home of Wests Tigers, but there’s no reason we can’t paint Leichhardt ‘Sky Blue’, too,” he said.

“Sydney FC games will bring people from all over the city to the Inner West and we want to create a festival atmosphere.

“If we can help the Club make sure that these first two games at Leichhardt Oval are a roaring success, we are in a great position to see more A-League, FFA Cup and AFC Champions League games come to our famous ground in the future.”

Council is working with Leichhardt Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to coordinate promotions and celebrations for the two games, scheduled on 17 February and 1 March 2019.

Some of the initiatives aimed at welcoming fans to the area include 10% discount on food and beverages in select outlets along Norton Street for ticket holders on game days.

“This can only be a win for our local economy,” said Mayor Byrne.

“Not only will thousands of fans be experiencing Inner West on game day, I’m confident that once fans see what our pubs, restaurants, bars and retail outlets have to offer, they’ll be back.

“We are working with our local businesses to make sure that the fans are welcomed and Sydney FC appreciates what the Inner West can offer their club.”

It’s not the first time Sydney FC have played at Leichhardt Oval, with the Premier League team most recently playing the Westfield FFA Cup Quarter Finals at the iconic ground in September 2017.

Council has spent $900,000 in the past year and has another $1.6 million budgeted over the next three years to keep Leichhardt Oval’s pitch in tip-top condition.

“With all the investment we have made in improving Leichhardt Oval, the playing surface is in excellent condition and is ready to host first-class football,” said Mayor Byrne.

For further information, please contact Kate Walsh on 0421 224 366.