Ballarat looks ahead to the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games

The biggest sporting event in Ballarat’s history, more than $200 million in critical infrastructure, a major boost for our visitor economy and a chance for local athletes to shine on the world stage. 

The Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games promise all that and more from 17 – 29 March 2026.  

As one of five regional Victorian games hubs, Ballarat will host some of the world’s best athletes here to compete in:  

• Athletics and Para Athletics at Eureka Stadium 
• Boxing at Ballarat Sports and Events Centre   
• Marathon in Ballarat at a course to be determined  
• Mountain Bike Racing at Creswick Trails  

Young Ballarat athletes Yual Reath and Lachlan O’Keefe aim to compete in the men’s high jump at the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

Both have emerged from Ballarat’s strong athletics community to be serious contenders at national and international level. 

“It would be a dream come true jumping in front of a home crowd and having family and friends come and watch,” Yual said.  

Investment in key infrastructure for the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games includes capacity building at Eureka Stadium plus a new athletics facility at the Ballarat Showgrounds. 

It will also see a Ballarat Train Station upgrade and construction of an 1800 bed athlete village at the former Ballarat saleyards site.  

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson said the City of Ballarat has negotiated and advocated to help ensure the Games will deliver the right legacy for Ballarat.  

“Investment in Eureka Stadium will add to its appeal as a sports and events venue long term, and the Ballarat Train Station upgrade means after many years of advocacy, residents with limited mobility will be able to more easily use our main train station.”  

“Construction of the athlete village can be a catalyst for renewal of the saleyards precinct, with a portion of the housing available for use after the Games as social and affordable housing according to community needs.  

City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer Evan King said the City of Ballarat’s advocacy for a long-term legacy from the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games is in line with goal six of the City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021- 2025: A city that provides leadership and advocates for its community. 

“Our goal is a long-term legacy across our housing, sporting and transport infrastructure, as well as a strong cultural legacy, increased social inclusivity and a boost for our visitor economy.” 

To read more about Yual and Lachlan’s journey so far, and for more details about events and investment in Ballarat ahead of the Games, read the summer edition of ourballarat community magazine.