Bowls club to host grand opening of redevelopment

THE Ocean Grove Bowling Club will unveil its landmark $6 million redevelopment with a Grand Opening Series of Events next week.

The four-day celebration from Thursday, September 11 to September 14 will showcase the club’s world class undercover 16-rink dome and feature a mix of official ceremonies, bowls events, live entertainment and family fun.

Celebrations will begin on September 11 with an official opening ceremony, ribbon cutting and the historic first roll under the dome.

Following the first roll will be a blockbuster exhibition match as the Ocean Grove All Stars face off against the Geelong Bowls Region All Stars.

September 12’s schedule will begin with the Geelong Bowls Region Club Executive event in the morning and a competitive 2-4-2 pairs event in the afternoon.

From 5pm onwards, the community is invited to take to the greens with barefoot bowls sessions running all evening.

September 13 will be the pinnacle event, with a Grand Opening Gala in the evening expected welcome up to 300 guests for a night of fine dining, entertainment and celebrations under the dome.

Celebrations will conclude on September 14 with a vibrant and free Family Fun Day.

Families can enjoy live shows and roving entertainment, alongside interactive performances and kids activities throughout the day.

Players from the Geelong Venom’s new WNBL franchise will be on site to engage with visitors and inspire the next generation, while the program also includes a barefoot bowls event with the RSL Young Veterans and a special ‘Come and Try’ bowls clinic with the Geelong Jets.

OGBC chief executive officer Nathan O’Neill said the redevelopment and the Grand Opening would be a defining moment for the Bellarine

“This project delivers world-class infrastructure to our region, providing opportunities for locals, attracting major events, and creating new reasons for visitors to come to the Bellarine.

“The Grand Opening Series of Events will celebrate community, honour tradition, and shape a vibrant future.

“The redevelopment is already being recognised as a catalyst for strengthening community life and bowls locally, with the dome expected to attract state, national and international events while providing an inclusive space to play, connect, and engage with the sport.”

The redevelopment features two state-of-the-art digital screen, livestream infrastructure, premium LED uplighting, four three-tiered movable grandstands and 40 premium Merbau timber seats.

The opening ceremony will start at 11am on September 11, with the community invited to attend.