- Published:
- Thursday 31 March 2016
It’s lights up at Eureka Stadium in Ballarat this week, with the installation of eight light towers signalling that construction is on track for the $15 million redevelopment project.
Four towers have been erected at the main ground and four towers at North Oval Number 2. The new lighting means local footy clubs can train after dark and give the 2016 season a red-hot go.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing $31.5 million towards the Eureka precinct redevelopment, which includes upgrading Eureka Stadium, the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre, the C.E. Brown Reserve Redevelopment and the Ballarat Showgrounds.
The 37 metre tall light towers at the main ground will illuminate a new playing surface the same size as Etihad Stadium, creating room for a new grandstand with 5,000 undercover seats, video scoreboard, player facilities, merchandise and food stalls and universal-access toilets.
With a capacity of more than 11,000, the redeveloped stadium will bring AFL games to Ballarat. The Western Bulldogs Football Club is set to play their first game at the ground next year.
The project is on track to create 38 construction jobs and is expected to increase tourism to Ballarat by drawing 21,000 visitors to the city and increase the annual tourism spend by up to $3.6 million annually.
The new stadium will also cater for international acts and tournaments, bringing events to the region that would otherwise have to be held only in Melbourne or Geelong.
The Labor Government is supporting the project through its $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund to ensure regional Victoria continues to have the best of everything.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Work is on track to deliver the world-class stadium that Ballarat deserves. The revitalised Eureka precinct means teams like the Western Bulldogs can hit the paddock in Ballarat and bring more visitors to regional Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“Victoria is the sporting capital of our nation and we’re making sure Ballarat is firmly on the world stage. Sporting precincts that are world-class bring visitors, sporting clubs and fans to our region – and that’s a good thing.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“We’ve now got the lights, with the cameras and action soon to follow when Ballarat becomes home to the best elite sporting competitions and events at our new world-class stadium.”