Sports fans in Ballarat have reason to celebrate with a major step in the Ballarat Major Events Precinct underway thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
The Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison representing the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today joined 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.
The Regional Sports Infrastructure Program is part of the Labor Government's record $45 billion investment over the past decade in projects and programs aimed at making regional communities even better places to live, work, stay, and play.
The Labor Government is also supporting Ballarat's Major Events Precinct through a $5 million upgrade of Frank Bourke Oval, backed by the Council Support Package.
For more information about the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, visit sport.vic.gov.au/rsip.
As stated by 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."
As stated by Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
"The commencement of construction works for 5,000 new permanent seats at Mars Stadium and the new athletics track and pavilion in Wendouree is great news for community sport, elite athletes and sports fans. From Little Aths to the AFL, Ballarat is the winner!"
As stated by Member for Eureka Michaela Settle
"We are kicking off a game-changing upgrade at the Ballarat Major Events Precinct, delivering a boost to local jobs and the region's sporting future. With 5,000 new seats at Mars Stadium and top-notch facilities on the way, we're setting up Ballarat to be a premier destination for major events. This is a win for fans, a win for athletes, and a win for local workers."
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
"This massive transformation of Mars Stadium will benefit our region for years to come. It's a win for our local athletes, sports fans, and economy."
