Ballarat’s Mars Stadium upgrades ready to launch

Sports fans in Ballarat have reason to celebrate with the commencement of upgrade works at the Ballarat Major Events Precinct, made possible through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.

Head contractors Kane Nicholson Joint Venture are leading construction at the site, drawing on their extensive experience in delivering high quality regional projects, including the multi-award-winning Ballarat GovHub and the Bendigo Law Courts development.

Upgrades to the precinct include 5,000 new permanent seats at Mars Stadium, increasing the seated capacity to 10,000. The upgrade also includes more amenities and more food and beverage options so spectators will have an even better experience at the venue.

Works will also commence on a new athletics track and pavilion located on the former Ballarat Showgrounds site, with additional elements such as lighting, landscaping and a storage shed.

Accessibility improvements throughout the precinct will ensure anyone with mobility needs can still enjoy the venues.

The venue is a proud host of the Western Bulldogs’ AFL and AFLW teams, who will continue to play at the venue in 2025. Whilst standing room will not be available during the construction period, the existing 5,042 seats will remain in place for football fans.

These upgrades will boost local jobs and businesses, and attract more visitors to the Ballarat region for years to come.

The project is expected to be finished in late 2026.

The Regional Sports Infrastructure Program is part of the Victorian Government’s record $45 billion investment in projects and programs aimed at making regional communities even better places to live, work, stay, and play.

The Victorian Government is also supporting Ballarat’s Major Events Precinct through a $5 million upgrade of Frank Bourke Oval, backed by the Council Support Package.

For more information see our Regional Sports Infrastructure Program section.