Whitten Oval Redevelopment Plans (UPDATE: No AFL Games)

[footscray1973]

Interestingly, now that the Ballarat Council have scoped the costs involved with the new light towers at Ikon Oval, Whitten Oval and at North Port Oval (Port Melbourne), they have lodged a request through various State and Federal politicians and candidates at the forthcoming elections to fund $3.5 mil to replace the existing four 37m MH towers with four new 45m LED towers at Mars Stadium. Of course if Victoria gives the nod to host the Comm Games then it's highly likely that Mars Stadium will get the new lights and anything else that the Ballarat Council requests (But that's speculation anyway). That said, the image below shows what North Port Oval are getting to achieve broadcast standard lighting. The towers proposed there will place the posts at the boundary fence and have the lights directly projecting light onto the oval:

Again though, what events would mars stadium host? I can’t think of any

Ballarat secures massive new entertainment event at Mars Stadium

 

[The Victorian]

Ballarat secures massive new entertainment event at Mars Stadium

Yep- Rugby, Soccer and AFL. AFL and Soccer aren't in the Comm Games and Rugby will be played at AAMI Park.

 

[Roogal]

Interestingly, now that the Ballarat Council have scoped the costs involved with the new light towers at Ikon Oval, Whitten Oval and at North Port Oval (Port Melbourne), they have lodged a request through various State and Federal politicians and candidates at the forthcoming elections to fund $3.5 mil to replace the existing four 37m MH towers with four new 45m LED towers at Mars Stadium. Of course if Victoria gives the nod to host the Comm Games then it's highly likely that Mars Stadium will get the new lights and anything else that the Ballarat Council requests (But that's speculation anyway). That said, the image below shows what North Port Oval are getting to achieve broadcast standard lighting. The towers proposed there will place the posts at the boundary fence and have the lights directly projecting light onto the oval:

Again though, what events would mars stadium host? I can’t think of any

I believe that it and Kardinia Park are both flagged that they would both host T20 cricket games. The 3000 capacity Ballarat Sports Events Centre would host the netball while the larger 4000 capacity Bendigo Stadium would host basketball. Ballarat may also possibly get badminton. But we'll have to wait to see if the Government formally announce that Victoria will bid. It's been reported that an announcement might come later this week.

 

[Roogal]

Yep- Rugby, Soccer and AFL. AFL and Soccer aren't in the Comm Games and Rugby will be played at AAMI Park.

Mars Stadium has hosted three ARU games in 2019 and 2020 and later this month will host NRL teams Melbourne Storm and the Newcastle Jets in a pre-season match

 

[footscray1973]

Mars Stadium has hosted three ARU games in 2019 and 2020 and later this month will host NRL teams Melbourne Storm and the Newcastle Jets in a pre-season match

I think the poster is asking what Comm Games events Mars could possibly host - I didn't pick that up initially either. I don't think they will be able to play all rugby games at AAMI Park, so would expect some of those to be farmed out to regional venues like Mars.

 

[The Victorian]

I think the poster is asking what Comm Games events Mars could possibly host - I didn't pick that up initially either. I don't think they will be able to play all rugby games at AAMI Park, so would expect some of those to be farmed out to regional venues like Mars.

They usually play all rugby games at the one venue as it is Rugby Sevens that is played

 

[The Victorian]

I believe that it and Kardinia Park are both flagged that they would both host T20 cricket games. The 3000 capacity Ballarat Sports Events Centre would host the netball while the larger 4000 capacity Bendigo Stadium would host basketball. Ballarat may also possibly get badminton. But we'll have to wait to see if the Government formally announce that Victoria will bid. It's been reported that an announcement might come later this week.

But why? Netball has the State Netball Hockey Centre, Basketball is no longer part of the Commonwealth Games- instead it is 3x3 Basketball. Cricket can be held at Kardinia Park, Junction Oval and Marvel Stadium.

 

[footscray1973]

I believe that it and Kardinia Park are both flagged that they would both host T20 cricket games. The 3000 capacity Ballarat Sports Events Centre would host the netball while the larger 4000 capacity Bendigo Stadium would host basketball. Ballarat may also possibly get badminton. But we'll have to wait to see if the Government formally announce that Victoria will bid. It's been reported that an announcement might come later this week.

I thought the Comm Games organisers have asked Melbourne/Victoria to host in the absence of any alternatives, so no bid is required, no expenditure in lining pockets of bidding officials from other countries also required, Melbourne/Victoria will be announced hosts of 2026 Games by default.

Edit: here's some recent reports:

Speculation mounts regional Victoria could host 2026 Commonwealth Games

Two decades after the last Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Victoria is emerging as a frontrunner to host the 2026 event.

www.abc.net.au

"Nine newspapers have reported that the Commonwealth Games Federation approached Victoria, rather than the state making a bid, due to lack of interest in hosting the event."

Melbourne eyed as 2026 Commonwealth Games host - SportsPro

Melbourne's local government has confirmed an approach from the Commonwealth Games Federation to host the 2026 event.

www.sportspromedia.com

"Melbourne looks likely to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the Victorian government confirming an approach from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

The Australian city has begun feasibility studies to determine if it can justify hosting the event.

The CGF has been searching for a host to fill the 2026 slot after the UK city of Birmingham, originally scheduled for that year, filled the 2022 void left by Durban. The South African city was stripped of hosting rights due to financial constraints.

However, the CGF has failed to receive any firm interest for hosting the 2026 Games. The organisation had already taken the decision in October to make athletics and swimming the only compulsory sports at the 2026 and 2030 Commonwealth Games to ensure greater flexibility for potential hosts."

 

[Roogal]

I think the poster is asking what Comm Games events Mars could possibly host - I didn't pick that up initially either. I don't think they will be able to play all rugby games at AAMI Park, so would expect some of those to be farmed out to regional venues like Mars.

That's possible, although I reckon that they'd try to use a rectangular stadium for rugby sevens. Who knows? By that time the Western United could have their Tarneit facility built.

 

[Roogal]

I thought the Comm Games organisers have asked Melbourne/Victoria to host in the absence of any alternatives, so no bid is required, no expenditure in lining pockets of bidding officials from other countries also required, Melbourne/Victoria will be announced hosts of 2026 Games by default.

Edit: here's some recent reports:

Speculation mounts regional Victoria could host 2026 Commonwealth Games

Two decades after the last Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Victoria is emerging as a frontrunner to host the 2026 event.

www.abc.net.au

"Nine newspapers have reported that the Commonwealth Games Federation approached Victoria, rather than the state making a bid, due to lack of interest in hosting the event."

Melbourne eyed as 2026 Commonwealth Games host - SportsPro

Melbourne's local government has confirmed an approach from the Commonwealth Games Federation to host the 2026 event.

www.sportspromedia.com

"Melbourne looks likely to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the Victorian government confirming an approach from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

The Australian city has begun feasibility studies to determine if it can justify hosting the event.

The CGF has been searching for a host to fill the 2026 slot after the UK city of Birmingham, originally scheduled for that year, filled the 2022 void left by Durban. The South African city was stripped of hosting rights due to financial constraints.

However, the CGF has failed to receive any firm interest for hosting the 2026 Games. The organisation had already taken the decision in October to make athletics and swimming the only compulsory sports at the 2026 and 2030 Commonwealth Games to ensure greater flexibility for potential hosts."

Melbourne/Victoria still has to go through the motions of submitting a bid request even though it appears that it will be rubber stamped. This way Melbourne formalises it's commitment to stage certain events, how and where it will house athletes, proposed venues, the proposed dates etc. It's more about formalising the process.

 

[Roogal]

But why? Netball has the State Netball Hockey Centre, Basketball is no longer part of the Commonwealth Games- instead it is 3x3 Basketball. Cricket can be held at Kardinia Park, Junction Oval and Marvel Stadium.

The Government are keen for at least half the events to be exclusively staged in regional areas, as the original bid was proposed by eleven regional Victorian Councils to hold an exclusive regional games in 2030. However, as the Government did the number crunching they determined that it was more feasible to submit a bid that would include six regional Victorian cities and Melbourne for 2030. However the original city slated to host the 2026 Games (Hamilton, Canada) is instead one of the North American cities hosting the soccer World cup in 2026 and the Ontario government stated that they would not bank roll two major events so they requested to postpone the games to 2030 which will be the 100th anniversary games (which were first hosted coincidently in Hamilton, Canada). This prompted the Comm Games Foundation to urgently seek another host city. They approached Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. Adelaide and Perth declined on costs. While Sydney declined as it is committed to hosting the Rugby Union World Cup later that year. Anyway enough on that.

Basketball remains a CG event although it just hasn't been hosted in a while. Same as rowing hasn't been conducted since Edinburgh 1986. Rowing wasn't part of the 82 Games in Brisbane either. So cities get to pick and choose from a list of options in addition to the fixed sports such as track and field, gymnastics and swimming. We will just have to wait and see firstly if the Andrews Government approve for the event to be held, and secondly what venues and sports they commit to. It will be interesting to see if it goes ahead.

 

[The Victorian]

The Government are keen for at least half the events to be exclusively staged in regional areas, as the original bid was proposed by eleven regional Victorian Councils to hold an exclusive regional games in 2030. However, as the Government did the number crunching they determined that it was more feasible to submit a bid that would include six regional Victorian cities and Melbourne for 2030. However the original city slated to host the 2026 Games (Hamilton, Canada) is instead one of the North American cities hosting the soccer World cup in 2026 and the Ontario government stated that they would not bank roll two major events so they requested to postpone the games to 2030 which will be the 100th anniversary games (which were first hosted coincidently in Hamilton, Canada). This prompted the Comm Games Foundation to urgently seek another host city. They approached Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. Adelaide and Perth declined on costs. While Sydney declined as it is committed to hosting the Rugby Union World Cup later that year. Anyway enough on that.

Basketball remains a CG event although it just hasn't been hosted in a while. Same as rowing hasn't been conducted since Edinburgh 1986. Rowing wasn't part of the 82 Games in Brisbane either. So cities get to pick and choose from a list of options in addition to the fixed sports such as track and field, gymnastics and swimming. We will just have to wait and see firstly if the Andrews Government approve for the event to be held, and secondly what venues and sports they commit to. It will be interesting to see if it goes ahead.

Commonwealth Sport

Home of the Commonwealth Games. Get the latest news, video, information and results from the Commonwealth Games Federation, including Victoria 2026

thecgf.com

Traditional Basketball is no longer part of the Commonwealth Games

 

[Mr. Walker]

If no other nations are bidding then we get to set the conditions. AFL comes in as a sport. We can also force in “ new Sports” - Surf Lifesaving, Volunteer firefighting, one hand one bounce cricket, skankiest MAFS contestant... there must be more surely. Australia will clean up the medal tally.

 

[lachy]

It is exciting we are developing our home. Hopefully this time we do it in a way that allows for a cost effective additional 12 to 15 thousand capacity in 5 plus years so we can eventually have our home ground back against all interstate clubs initially then all clubs in the future

On SM-G996B using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[VitalDread]

With the bid of the commonwealth games for 2026, could easily see Whitten being used as a venue

 

[The Victorian]

With the bid of the commonwealth games for 2026, could easily see Whitten being used as a venue

No chance. It’s a regional bid

 

[footscray1973]

Yeah sorry Vital, The Victorian is correct. The focus will be on regional venues, Kardinia Park already being considered for opening (and presumably closing?) ceremony, Mars may have some athletics. Vic Govt (supported by opposition!) is pushing strongly to have all events across regional Vic, doubtful any Melb venues will get a look in. It's an opportunity to develop regional facilities, and something I'm sure the Vic Govt will spruik leading up to the election, even if the opposition agree, as it is a likely vote-winner in the regions.

 

[Northernsoul74]

Bulldogs welcome Federal Government funding commitment

The Western Bulldogs have today welcomed the Federal Government’s budget commitment of $15 million to enable the Club to deliver its full vision for the redevelopment of its Victoria University Whitten Oval home.

www.westernbulldogs.com.au

 

[dogwatch]

Bulldogs welcome Federal Government funding commitment

The Western Bulldogs have today welcomed the Federal Government’s budget commitment of $15 million to enable the Club to deliver its full vision for the redevelopment of its Victoria University Whitten Oval home.

www.westernbulldogs.com.au

Good to hear but this is surely a mistake. There are no marginal seats out west are there?

 

[Guido]

Good to hear but this is surely a mistake. There are no marginal seats out west are there?

John Howard did similar with a Whitten Oval funding pledge pre the 2004 election - probably didn't have much to gain electorally, but overall was more aimed at the working class vote in general.

The next day after the announcement, Howard was mobbed with pats on the back and handshakes while walking through the fruit markets on Footscray road - I have no doubt most of them were doggies supporters.

This latest funding is probably more towards being used as a "See! We invest in non-winnable seats too! Money isn't all going towards pork-barreling/ building car parks in marginal seats".

 

[Oliver G]

A further 8.2 million from the Victorian Government has been announced, on top of the 15.0 million from the Federal government that was announced a few months ago.

State Government continues its support as demolition begins​

​

The Western Bulldogs have marked the start of demolition on the famous EJ Whitten Stand with the announcement of further funding from the State Government.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos visited VU Whitten Oval on Saturday to inspect progress of the construction and announce a further $8.2 million investment from the Andrews Labor Government into the second stage of the precinct’s redevelopment.

The Government had already committed $36.6 million for the Stage Two redevelopment to replace ageing facilities and support the growth of the club.

The project will deliver integrated men’s and women’s football program facilities and a new indoor field to support the club’s training and community programs.

“This development will be a game-changer for the Bulldogs and their supporters, with upgraded facilities for staff, players and spectators,” said Minister Dimopoulos.

“We’re upgrading sporting facilities right across the state to ensure greater access and to help level the playing field for all participants.”

The new EJ Whitten Stand will be built with improved seating and facilities for spectators, along with a new function room, administration offices, and space for the club’s Community Foundation to deliver its programs.

The project will also include broadcast quality sports lighting, the refurbishment of the entry building and museum, and a new match day pavilion with a merchandise shop, food and beverages, first aid room and amenities.

“We are continually grateful to the State Government for their generous support of our Whitten Oval precinct redevelopment,” said Bulldogs’ President Kylie Watson-Wheeler.

“The government’s financial contributions have enabled us to realise our dream of a reimagined precinct, which will not only give our elite men’s and women’s teams the most cutting-edge facilities in the competition, but a place for the whole community of the west to enjoy.

“We’re excited to see that demolition has commenced, and we’re looking forward to watching the transformation take place before our eyes.”

 

[Oliver G]

End of an era, and the beginning of a new one...

 

[cecil]

End of an era, and the beginning of a new one...

They probably could've taken down the sign....

 

[Oliver G]

They probably could've taken down the sign....

Yeah I thought that was a little odd. However, the old EJ Whitten Stand sign has been kept and will be installed on the new stand.

 

[BallaratBulldog]

I wish it was finished. I want it now!!