The funds will go towards reviving the "iconic" Leichhardt Oval, including building a new grandstand at the northern end of the field, upgrades to existing facilities and amenities and the construction of a new women's change room.
"This is an iconic venue... these local sporting grounds are so important for building community," Albanese said. The oval is slated to see 120 sporting events this year, with 30 per cent being women's teams. Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said a big part of the upgrade will be focused on keeping crowds coming back to watch women's sporting events at Leichhardt.
"We've seen a flood of female participation coming into all of our sports but we have to invest in the facilities to enable that participation." The grounds are badly deteriorated, with some bathrooms so badly damaged they have been closed for years.The oval underwent a safety upgrade in 2009 funded by the West Tigers and the federal government.