- Published:
- Wednesday 30 September 2026
The Carroll Labor Government has delivered for Ballarat sports fans with an upgraded Mars Stadium.
Minister for Sport Steve Dimopoulos joined AFLW Western Bulldogs players today to unveil the new facilities.
The venue’s permanent seating providing 5,000 extra seats bringing capacity to 10,000 - made possible through Labor’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.
The new facilities will be used this Saturday for the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda AFLW match.
This investment has supported a larger 100-square-metre video scoreboard, twice the size of the previous screen.
This is alongside new broadcast facilities to capture live action, so more fans can get involved.
There is also new southern viewing area that will improve the spectator experience.
Back-to-back games are now possible on match days, thanks to extra changerooms, helping the City of Ballarat attract more events to the venue and the region.
Accessibility improvements are making it easier for people to access and move around the stadium, with a lift installed under the new grandstands and pathways added across the precinct.
AFLW fans will be the first to experience these new improvements this Saturday.
Only Labor is delivering for Ballarat sports fans while creating local jobs and boosting local businesses.
The project supported around 700 jobs and engaged more than 30 regional suppliers and subcontractors.
The venue features artwork by local Wadawurrung Elder and artist Dr Deanne Gilson, alongside brickwork and seating bowl panels drawing on the shapes of Mount Buninyong and Mount Warrenheip.
Labor is investing in the Ballarat Major Events Precinct giving communities world-class places to play and compete.
Including the brand-new Ballarat Regional Athletics Centre, featuring a new World Athletics-certified competition track, club house, shaded spectator seating and 200 lux LED sports lighting.
People can also enjoy more than 10,000 square metres of green open space, giving locals and visitors more room to relax, gather and enjoy the precinct.
The redevelopment is one of five projects in the Ballarat region and one of 18 projects across regional Victoria funded through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.
For more information about the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, visit sport.vic.gov.au/rsip
Quote attributable to Minister for Sport Steve Dimopoulos
“Mars Stadium is ready to welcome bigger crowds and more major games, giving Ballarat sports fans even more to cheer about.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Housing, Building and Precincts Nick Staikos
“These upgrades are the result of strong collaboration and expert project delivery. Labor has delivered modern facilities that will support sport, major events and the Ballarat community for generations to come.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle
“Labor is delivering lasting benefits for Ballarat, doubling permanent seating capacity, improving accessibility and creating more opportunities that support local sports, businesses and the wider community.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“We have transformed Mars Stadium to an elite sporting venue that will drive the visitor economy and be a place that the whole community will value.”
Quotes attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves
“The completion of the Ballarat Major Events Precinct redevelopment is a significant milestone that strengthens Ballarat’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting and community events, bringing lasting benefits for our economy, local businesses and visitors.”