WA’s pitch to land the AFL’s Gather Round will be bolstered by a $5 million dollar upgrade to Leederville Oval including a complete re-turfing and a lighting boost.
Renamed Sullivan Logistics Stadium in 2023, the ground’s troubled playing surface is set to be replaced entirely this off season and its lights upgraded, elevating it to an AFL tier 2 venue.
Leederville Oval will get a new surface and lighting as part of a 5 million dollar upgrade.Credit: City of Vincent
The agreement, spearheaded by the City of Vincent opens the door for future Gather Round matches and AFLW fixtures.
Sources close to the deal say the State Government will contribute most of the money, with the City of Vincent, AFL and West Australian Football Commission also chipping in.
It’s understood Leederville Oval tenants, Subiaco and East Perth Football Clubs, will also contribute financially.
Gather Round sees all 18 AFL clubs travel to a host city to play nine games across multiple venues.
Adelaide’s hosting rights deal expires at the end of 2026. The South Australian government reportedly paid $15 million.
It’s estimated this season’s event attracted 40,000 interstate visitors contributing more than $80 million into the state’s economy.
WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti has previously flagged interest in attracting what has become a ‘festival of footy’ and has a record of delivering lucrative events like Coldplay and WWE.
The Cook Government reportedly paid $8 million dollars for two Coldplay concerts at Optus Stadium that are estimated to have generated around $70 million in tourism spend.
Leederville Oval’s playing surface has been problematic for years with several matches relocated in 2022 due to the turf’s deterioration.
Upgrading the light towers to an illuminance of 1000 lux would allow football games to be telecast during Gather Round.
Tenders are currently open on the City of Vincent website for separate contracts to redevelop the surface and upgrade the light towers. Both close August 8.