Western Bulldogs and their partnership with Ballarat a success

[Ratdweller]

Whitten oval can fit 10,000?

Wouldn't fit many more than 10 grand. Austadiums says that it can only hold 7000. Looks a bit bigger than that to me, but who knows? The club cut themselves well short by leaving all of that spare space on the northern part of the oval between the goals and the boundary fence as dead space rather than push the boundary in to accommodate more spectator space in the form of a berm, terraced seating or even removeable seating.

 

[threenewpadlocks]

Wouldn't fit many more than 10 grand. Austadiums says that it can only hold 7000. Looks a bit bigger than that to me, but who knows? The club cut themselves well short by leaving all of that spare space on the northern part of the oval between the goals and the boundary fence as dead space rather than push the boundary in to accommodate more spectator space in the form of a berm, terraced seating or even removeable seating.

There's really no need though, given very few games are getting more than 7k

 

[BallaratBulldog]

There's really no need though, given very few games are getting more than 7k

Most Ballarat games been over 9,000 since 2019 (excluding covid).

Nothing against WO though - I wish we could use it. There can be a ceiling effect when there is a seating limit and an AFL game would fill it out if people were not eye gouged by price of club paying it off

 

[BallaratBulldog]

Wouldn't fit many more than 10 grand. Austadiums says that it can only hold 7000. Looks a bit bigger than that to me, but who knows? The club cut themselves well short by leaving all of that spare space on the northern part of the oval between the goals and the boundary fence as dead space rather than push the boundary in to accommodate more spectator space in the form of a berm, terraced seating or even removeable seating.

I think they wanted to not have the Ikon Park issue where they have nothing at the right of screen but also looking at one of their plans they were supposed to use the space for sitting in the open and have some fencing

 

[Doggy Dan]

Went onto WO at during holidays for a kick with the little one. Only ones there, it was great. Who’s our groundskeeper? It’s the best grass I have ever set foot on.

 

[Mutt]

Went onto WO at during holidays for a kick with the little one. Only ones there, it was great. Who’s our groundskeeper? It’s the best grass I have ever set foot on.

Don't let grassman75 hear you say that.....

 

[Ratdweller]

Western Bulldogs strengthen Ballarat ties​

By David Brehaut
Updated February 17 2025 - 9:41pm, first published 5:31pm

Western Bulldogs AFL players Bailey Dale, left, and James O'Donnell were quick to give the extended partnership with Mars Wrigley their vote of approval. Picture by David Brehaut.

The Western Bulldogs have further strengthened their ties with Ballarat. The AFL club and Ballarat-based global manufacturer Mars Wrigley have extended and expanded what has been a long-term partnership by another three years. In association with this agreement, Ballarat's home of AFL and AFLW will continue to be known as Mars Stadium.

The latest announcements complement the Bulldogs' partnership with the City of Ballarat, which was also extended by three years at the end of 2024. Western Bulldogs chief commercial and strategy officer Kon Karavias said be-spoked match-day and inner sanctum experiences would be part of increased investment in the Ballarat community through the renewed partnership with Mars. "There'll be a range of new initiatives - the first to be revealed in coming weeks." He said the extended partnership with Mars and City of Ballarat would continue to strengthen the Bulldogs' connection with the region.

Mars Wrigley Australian general manager Michael Ryan said the sponsorship highlighted the company's commitment to Ballarat. He said they were proud to be working with the Bulldogs to deliver a range of new community initiatives. Bulldogs players Bailey Dale and James O'Donnell also attended the announcement at Mars Stadium and later led a junior coaching clinic.

The announcement came on the same day the Western Bulldogs marked the 10th year of their read literacy program run in conjunction with the City of Ballarat and the city's libraries. Eight schools and about 150 students are taking part in the program this year, which is exclusive to Ballarat. Bulldogs Ballarat engagement manager Cam Waring said the club enjoyed seeing the impact the program not only had on children's literacy, but also the experiences it provided for them. "We have had record school involvement and student participation numbers in the past few years and the program is going from strength to strength." Schools taking part this year are Bungaree, Buninyong, Caledonian, Delacombe, Magpie, Miners Rest and Mt Please primary, and Yuille Park Community College.

 

[lachy]

Most Ballarat games been over 9,000 since 2019 (excluding covid).

Nothing against WO though - I wish we could use it. There can be a ceiling effect when there is a seating limit and an AFL game would fill it out if people were not eye gouged by price of club paying it off


View attachment 2228673

Reality is unless the WO is expanded to a 25,000 capacity plus, which it will not be, might as well take the Government and council funding and keep playing in Ballarat if those are the 2 options.

From memory though when the redevelopment plans at WO were announced it was for an 18,000 capacity

 

[grassman75]

Don't let grassman75 hear you say that.....

I’m ok with that…i think we might assist the groundskeepers there with product so if its good I’m happy

 

[GetDimmaBack]

Reality is unless the WO is expanded to a 25,000 capacity plus, which it will not be, might as well take the Government and council funding and keep playing in Ballarat if those are the 2 options.

From memory though when the redevelopment plans at WO were announced it was for an 18,000 capacity

Would love to see WO developed like Kardinia Park.
Be nice to have our own hostile fortress again!

Pipe dream, I know.

 

[Ratdweller]

13 March 2025

Construction Officially Kicks Off for Ballarat Major Events Precinct Upgrades​

Exciting progress is underway at Ballarat’s Mars Stadium and former Ballarat Showgrounds, with construction officially beginning on the highly anticipated re-development of this key sporting venue and the surrounding precinct. The first steps in transforming the Ballarat Major Events Precinct are now in motion, marking a major milestone for the project. Head contractors Kane-Nicholson joint venture have been appointed to bring these upgrades to life, drawing on their extensive experience in regional developments, including the Ballarat GovHub and Bendigo Law Courts.

The upgrades will see 5,000 new permanent seats added to Mars Stadium, increasing the seated capacity to 10,000. Fans can also look forward to new amenities and expanded food and beverage options to enhance their game-day experience. Work is also beginning on a new athletics track and pavilion at the former Ballarat Showgrounds site, complete with lighting, landscaping, and an equipment shed. Accessibility improvements across the precinct will ensure all visitors can enjoy the upgraded venues irrespective of mobility. Benjamin Delaney, Acting Group Head Civic Infrastructure at Development Victoria, said the start of construction marks an exciting milestone for the project.

It’s exciting to see construction underway, with this project set to deliver fantastic new and upgraded facilities for Ballarat while also providing a significant boost to the local economy. These upgrades will create jobs during construction and support local businesses, ensuring the benefits are felt across the community.

Recent weeks have seen the demolition of the old brick scoreboard, the temporary removal of the Southern light tower, and the removal of all concrete terraces and pavement around the main hill and Gate 2 entrance. During 2025 the ground's capacity will be reduced to 5042 seats while all remaining standing areas are fenced off as part of the re-development zone.

The entire precinct including the stadium, new athletics centre and new North Ballarat Cricket and football Club rooms on the number 2 Frank Bourke Oval are set for completion in late 2026, the project will create jobs, support local businesses, and attract more visitors to the Ballarat region for years to come. This project is being delivered by Development Victoria in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria and the City of Ballarat to ensure the Ballarat Major Events Precinct redevelopment caters to the local community and delivers positive outcomes for the region.

 

[Dogs 13]

13 March 2025

Construction Officially Kicks Off for Ballarat Major Events Precinct Upgrades​

Exciting progress is underway at Ballarat’s Mars Stadium and former Ballarat Showgrounds, with construction officially beginning on the highly anticipated re-development of this key sporting venue and the surrounding precinct. The first steps in transforming the Ballarat Major Events Precinct are now in motion, marking a major milestone for the project. Head contractors Kane-Nicholson joint venture have been appointed to bring these upgrades to life, drawing on their extensive experience in regional developments, including the Ballarat GovHub and Bendigo Law Courts.

The upgrades will see 5,000 new permanent seats added to Mars Stadium, increasing the seated capacity to 10,000. Fans can also look forward to new amenities and expanded food and beverage options to enhance their game-day experience. Work is also beginning on a new athletics track and pavilion at the former Ballarat Showgrounds site, complete with lighting, landscaping, and an equipment shed. Accessibility improvements across the precinct will ensure all visitors can enjoy the upgraded venues irrespective of mobility. Benjamin Delaney, Acting Group Head Civic Infrastructure at Development Victoria, said the start of construction marks an exciting milestone for the project.



Recent weeks have seen the demolition of the old brick scoreboard, the temporary removal of the Southern light tower, and the removal of all concrete terraces and pavement around the main hill and Gate 2 entrance. During 2025 the ground's capacity will be reduced to 5042 seats while all remaining standing areas are fenced off as part of the re-development zone.

The entire precinct including the stadium, new athletics centre and new North Ballarat Cricket and football Club rooms on the number 2 Frank Bourke Oval are set for completion in late 2026, the project will create jobs, support local businesses, and attract more visitors to the Ballarat region for years to come. This project is being delivered by Development Victoria in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria and the City of Ballarat to ensure the Ballarat Major Events Precinct redevelopment caters to the local community and delivers positive outcomes for the region.

Where’s the Cop, the Cowboy, the Native American, the G.I and the Biker

 

[Ratdweller]

Where’s the Cop, the Cowboy, the Native American, the G.I and the Biker

I was thinking the same thing too At least the ground is looking green and pretty healthy despite the dry conditions around Ballarat ATM. Photo just taken, I'm sitting having a quiety at the Sports Club.

 

[Freshwater]

During 2025 the ground's capacity will be reduced to 5042 seats while all remaining standing areas are fenced off as

How are we even having any games there at this capacity? I like going to Ballarat but a micro capacity stadium reduced further is madness. At this capacity we should play at VFA grounds Werribee, Williamstown and Yarraville.

 

[Ratdweller]

How are we even having any games there at this capacity? I like going to Ballarat but a micro capacity stadium reduced further is madness. At this capacity we should play at VFA grounds Werribee, Williamstown and Yarraville.

Yep, no argument here. I've been saying this for a couple of months now. Contract or no contract, the Ballarat games could have and should have been moved to alternative venues for 2025. I wouldn't have a problem with that because playing games in Ballarat with the ground in its present capacity will just lose money for the Club and the benefits of playing games in Ballarat will be negligible. If the weather is miserable at this year's games there will only be three light towers functioning. It's complete stupidity to me. Someone else at a pub in Ballarat suggested to me recently, that if they take the games out of Ballarat for a season, that another competing city will move in a snap up the games permanently which of course is simple BS. To do the right thing by the club, the 2025 games could have been shifted back to Melbourne, Geelong or Marvel and the contract with Ballarat simply modified to extend to 2029. After all, it will be worth absorbing the short-term pain of ceding a season's games for the benefit of the long-term gain of a vastly improved stadium.

 

[lachy]

Yep, no argument here. I've been saying this for a couple of months now. Contract no contract, the Ballarat games could have and should have been moved to alternative venues for 2025. I wouldn't have a problem with that because playing games in Ballarat with the ground in its present capacity will just lose money for the Club and the benefits of playing games in Ballarat will be negligible. If the weather is miserable at this year's games there will only be three light towers functioning. It's complete stupidity to me. Someone else at a pub in Ballarat suggested to me recently, that if they take the games out of Ballarat for a season, that another competing city will move in a snap up the games permanently which of course is simple BS. To do the right thing by the club, the 2025 games could have been shifted back to Melbourne, Geelong or Marvel and the contract with Ballarat simply modified to extend to 2029. After all, it will be worth absorbing the short-term pain of ceding a season's games for the benefit of the long-term gain of a vastly improved stadium.

We don't make money from the games, we make money from the Government and Council for playing there. Capacity is really only relevant to the City of Ballarat as they will get a little less bang for their buck

On SM-S926B using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Ratdweller]

Earth works well and truly underway at Mars. Hill almost gone. At least they are getting to take advantage of the dry weather. I'm surprised by how clean the soil coming out of the hill is. No rubbish, rocks, bricks or debris in it, just clean soil.

 

[CarnTheScray]

I will miss that hill

 

[CarnTheScray]

Went onto WO at during holidays for a kick with the little one. Only ones there, it was great. Who’s our groundskeeper? It’s the best grass I have ever set foot on.

I had no idea it was still open to the public, assuming after hours. Might go down there at some point then.

 

[Iamspock]

How are we even having any games there at this capacity? I like going to Ballarat but a micro capacity stadium reduced further is madness. At this capacity we should play at VFA grounds Werribee, Williamstown and Yarraville.

Or Whitten Oval...

 

[Doggy Dan]

I had no idea it was still open to the public, assuming after hours. Might go down there at some point then.

Honestly, don’t know if it is, the gate was open - was not a soul in sight and I took some initiative

 

[Ratdweller]

They are still using the oval. I watched a Rebels practice game there last Sunday. The stands were still accessible although a bit grubby from all of the dirt and dust that has been flying about. The BFNL has games scheduled there throughout this season. I usually go there once a week for lunch at the sports club which is open every day. You can walk outside onto the concourse behind the seats in the Northern Stand at any time. It's almost therapeutic watching the works going on

 

[Bulldog1954]

When do tickets for the game against Port go on sale?

 

[Ratdweller]

When do tickets for the game against Port go on sale?

Usually about four weeks before the scheduled game. I expect that it will sell out quick, although annoyingly you can bet that there will be no shows on the day and a scattering of empty seats. The hill removal is proceeding at a furious pace even today Saturday with a conga line of trucks carrying the dirt away. I'm guessing that it is supposed to be done by Monday the way that they are going at it. Perhaps that's when the builders proper move onto the site. I am looking forward to seeing the actual construction commence. The last remnants of the hill are almost gone and you can see clearly behind where the old scoreboard was. The Southern light tower has been placed by the fence next to White Avenue. I spoke with the assistant venue manager yesterday. She was of the understanding that the video scoreboard will end up being placed where the old brick scoreboard was. She even said that the ground may end up with new lights, that the existing lights would be relocated to either the number 2 oval which is getting new club rooms and an LED lighting upgrade or they might be repurposed to the new athletics centre. It will definitely look very different once it's completed around June next year.