Jubilee Oval will become Sydney FC’s major temporary home after the club confirmed they would play seven A-League fixtures at Kogarah next season.
The Sky Blues announced in April they had committed to playing games at Jubilee Oval while Allianz Stadium underwent renovations.
But Sydney FC were initially to split seven matches between Kogarah and Leichhardt Oval, with the Sky Blues to remain based at Moore Park after securing a deal to play six of their 13 home games at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Now, Sydney FC CEO Danny Townsend has confirmed the club will play the majority of home matches at Kogarah, with seven A-League games locked in.
Leichhardt will now host two matches, while the SCG will host the remaining four.
The 2018-19 A-League draw is to be unveiled on Thursday.
The news comes after Southern Expansion, a rival A-League bid hoping for inclusion in the 2019-20 season, announced in March they had signed memorandums of understanding to play matches at Jubilee Oval as well as Shark Park at Woolooware and Wollongong’s WIN Stadium.
Townsend said in a video to the club’s members scheduling conflicts had forced Sydney FC to reduce the number of matches at the SCG but also provided the opportunity to play more games – including a potential ‘Big Blue’ clash with Melbourne Victory – at Kogarah.
“We’ve been working hard with the FFA in securing the best draw for our members as well as our team. I think you’ll see we’ve reached a great balance,” he said.
“I’m pleased to be able to say with several family-friendly home games across the season, many which come within the summer of football and school holidays period.
“We also have a number of blockbuster Saturday night matches at the SCG including our one Sydney derby and one of our two home ‘Big Blue’ encounters.
“Having originally intended to play six [matches] here at the SCG we have now been allocated four games. This is due to a later start and finish to the A-League season this year which has curtailed the availability of the ground at both ends.
“However that does mean we can now confirm seven home games at Jubilee Oval in Kogarah and two matches to be played at Leichhardt Oval.
“Each of our grounds and the surrounding areas will be themed in sky blue. And we’ll be doing everything possible to ensure our game day and atmosphere have that Sydney FC look and feel to it.
“We’re also working with the transport authorities to provide our members and fans our usual free public transport initiative and a more convenient time table. We’ll be expanding our supporter buses program which began at the end of last season to make it even easier to get to games at your local football ground.”
Townsend also confirmed the club would continue to search for suitable marquee players to replace A-League golden boot winner Bobo and Johnny Warren Medallist Adrian Mierzejewski after their departures to Alanyaspor in Turkey and Chinese club Changchun Yatai respectively.