Additional features for the Ballarat Major Events Precinct upgrades were unveiled on Friday, bringing the precinct redevelopment into a league of its own.
Representing the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison joined City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves to inspect progress of construction and share exciting features for the project, made possible through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.
Additional features at Mars Stadium also include a new larger videoboard - featuring artwork designed by local Wadawurrung artist Dr Deanne Gilson - providing a better match day experience for fans, additional change rooms to enable double headers and attract more events to the region, and a new southern viewing embank-ment for standing room spectators capturing that unique Ballarat atmosphere.
The previously announced 5,000 new permanent seats will increase the seating capacity of the venue to 10,000. Wadawurrung-inspired brickwork patterning will also feature on the back of the new 5,000 seat grandstand.
Head contractors Kane Nicholson Joint Venture are leading construction across the precinct. Works are already underway on the new grandstands, plus the new athletics track and pavilion on the former Ballarat Show-grounds site, which includes lighting, landscaping, storage facilities and the re-use of the existing Mars Stadium videoboard.
The venue is a proud host of the Western Bulldogs' AFL and AFLW teams, who have brought AFL matches to Mars Stadium since 2017.
These upgrades will boost local jobs and businesses, and attract more visitors to the Ballarat region for years to come.
The project is expected to be finished in late 2026.
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the project would have wide-spread impact on the region.
"The redevelopment of the Ballarat Major Events Precinct heralds a new era of sport and entertainment for the growing Ballarat community and the broader region," she said.
"Our world-class sporting precinct is primed for a huge future, focused on enhancing grass roots community sport as well as providing an outstanding venue for elite sporting and entertainment events. We will ensure that visitors from near and far, have a great experience in Ballarat."
The Victorian Government is also supporting Ballarat's Major Events Precinct through a $5 million upgrade of Frank Bourke Oval, in partnership with the City of Ballarat.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves to see the two major grandstands now taking shape at Mars Stadium was absolutely incredible and extremely exciting for the city.
"These upgrades are a fantastic win for Ballarat. They not only enhance the experience for fans and athletes, but also strengthen our city's reputation as a destination for major events," she said.
"These new features will bring more visitors, support local jobs and businesses, and ensure Ballarat continues to shine on the national stage."
The Victorian Government is also supporting Ballarat's Major Events Precinct through a $5 million upgrade of Frank Bourke Oval, in partnership with the City of Ballarat.
