Mars Stadium upgrades ready to launch

Sports fans in Ballarat have reason to celebrate with a major step in the Ballarat Major Events Precinct underway.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison (representing Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos) on Friday joined City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves and Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle to officially mark the start of works at the site, made possible through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.

Head contractors Kane Nicholson JV are leading construction at the site, drawing on their extensive experience in delivering high quality regional projects, including the multi-award-winning Ballarat GovHub and the Bendigo Law Courts development.

Upgrades to the precinct include 5,000 new permanent seats at Mars Stadium, increasing the seated capacity to 10,000. The upgrade also includes more amenities and more food and beverage options so spectators will have an even better experience at the venue.

Works will also commence on a new athletics track and pavilion located on the former Ballarat Showgrounds site, with additional elements such as lighting, landscaping and a storage shed.

Accessibility improvements throughout the precinct will ensure anyone with mobility needs can still enjoy the venues.

The venue is a proud host of the Western Bulldogs’ AFL and AFLW teams, who will continue to play at the venue in 2025. Whilst standing room will not be available during the construction period, all of the existing 5,042 seats will remain in place for football fans.

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.

For more information about the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, visit sport.vic.gov.au/rsip.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“The Ballarat Major Events Precinct will be a significant sporting and community hub for the people of Ballarat and the broader region.”
“I’m so excited to see the first steps in this project that will enhance the region’s capacity to host fantastic sport and entertainment events.”

Quotes attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves 
“Council is thrilled to see the start of works at the Ballarat Major Events Precinct and we look forward to watching this transformational project take shape over the next year.”
“The Ballarat community and entire wider region will benefit immensely from this investment into a new athletics facility and Mars Stadium upgrade.”