Venue change for Grand Finals

The Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) has announced changes to the upcoming Junior and Senior Grand Finals, with the matches to be played at a different ground.

While the Grand Finals are usually played at Mars Stadium, this year the BFNL will hold them at City Oval due to issues around restrictions at Mars and licencing at the North Ballarat Sports Club.

In a statement, BFNL Chairman Adrian Bettio said the League had been unable to find a compromise with the Sports Club, meaning the League needed to consider other venues for the Grand Finals.

“The Ballarat Football Netball League wishes to confirm with the public that the 2023 Grand Final days for both Juniors and Seniors will be held at City Oval, Ballarat. This decision has been considered in consultation with the City of Ballarat, the Recreation Service team and Mars Stadium Venue Management team. The City of Ballarat support and willingness to assist has been fantastic through this process,” Mr Bettio said.

“The move from Mars Stadium to City Oval is a massive move for the league on our day of days, with such a premier sporting facility available right on our doorstep. Unfortunately, it is no longer economical for us to now hold these events at this venue.”

Every season, one BFNL club is in line to host catering rights, and one to host booth rights, for the entire finals series – providing a strong economic boost to those two clubs.

However, a “current impasse on the liquor licence of the Sports Club…is not allowing Melton South to be able to sell and access the terrace accordingly” for their turn holding booth rights this season, Mr Bettio said.

“The board wishes to thank the City Council and all working parties on these matters, we are very fortunate that the grounds in our league are ready to go at short notice and offer spectators and players the best viewing experience.”

The BFNL intends to continue working with the Ballarat City Council to have the Grand Finals return to Mars Stadium in 2024, but that decision will be made at a later date.