Leichhardt Oval
Sydney, Australia
Its character is defined by the steep, terraced seating that puts spectators close to the action, a quality locals often refer to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." This old-school atmosphere has endured since the ground opened in 1934.
The pitch cuts up badly under the weight of winter rugby league, a condition the ground has lived through since it was reconfigured from an east-west oval into a north-south rectangle in the 1970s. That era also saw the installation of floodlights, allowing mid-week finals to be played on the natural grass.
The stadium is currently undergoing a major overhaul, with a $40 million redevelopment project announced in 2024 to refurbish the western grandstand and construct a new northern stand. The ground is managed by the Inner West Council, who maintain the site at 68 Mary Street, ensuring the pitch remains playable despite the heavy use it endures throughout the season.