Art, more changerooms and standing room for stadium

CONSTRUCTION at Mars Stadium is continuing, with a larger videoboard featuring Wadawurrung artwork, additional changerooms, and a southern standing-room viewing embankment for announced for the project.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison visited the site last week, with the project funded through the State Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.

“What we are announcing today is some really important extra features that will make Mars Stadium an even better place to watch live footy events or other entertainment that we hope to attract to our city,” Ms Addison said.

“The additional changerooms under the new stand is really important as it means we’ll have the opportunity to have double headers.”

Artwork by Wadawurrung artist Dr Deanne Gilson will be featured on the scoreboard and brickwork patterning.

“We’re indebted to the Wadawurrung people who have cared for and nurtured this country for 65,000 years,” Ms Addison said.

“When we walk with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters, we get better outcomes.

“Celebrating Wadawurrung art is another step towards reconciliation.”

The scoreboard previously based at the stadium will be relocated to the new Ballarat Regional Athletics Centre.

Last December, it was announced that the seating capacity of the venue would be increased from 5000 to 10,000.

The project is expected to be completed by late 2026 with Kane Nicholson leading the works.

Earlier this year, a round 18 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide Crows was relocated from Mars Stadium to Marvel Stadium to allow for more spectators.

An AFLW match between the Western Bulldogs and Geelong Cats was played at the ground last weekend.

Ms Addison said that while she is committed to ensuring AFL and AFLW games can continue to be played in Ballarat, the project is about more than that.

“This isn’t a short-term project, this isn’t about the next 12 months, this is about the next five decades,” she said.

“This is about people in our community being able to access and play on an incredible stadium.”