Mars Stadium upgrades level up football in Ballarat
Published: 8 October 2026From local footy to regional competitions, the upgrades at Mars Stadium mean more people can play sport in first-class facilities closer to home.
Transcript
Vision: Matt Newton, Football Manager, Central Highlands Football League speaks to camera.
Vision: Mars Stadium signboard near the entrance.
Vision: Local football players on the field, with a player kicking the ball.
Vision: Local spectators watching the game from the grandstand.
To have a premier sporting facility her in Ballarat to regional athletes, it means so much for them just to be able to come and experience what we have here now.
Vision: Matt Newton speaking to camera.
Vision: Young local football player taking a kick at goal, followed by local netball club girls watching the game and chatting.
Vision: Defender taking possession of the football, followed by local netball club girls watching the game.
Kids, they can come along and be part of it like we have here today at the Central Highlands Grand Final.
Vision: Anthony Simpson, President of Central Highlands Football League speaks to camera.
Vision: Player running onto the ground, followed by football action in front of the two new grandstands.
Vision: Football action showing players tackling and contesting the ball after an umpire's throw-in.
Vision: Girls seated in the front row watching the game, followed by local supporters celebrating their team's goal.
This facility gives us as a regional football league, a chance for young people and senior football teams to play on an AFL quality surface and some seating that provides good viewing for our patrons.
Vision: Drone shot showcasing Mars Stadium, the new grandstands and athletics track, moving towards the game.
Vision: Local football players contesting a high ball, followed by a player running towards the ball.
Vision: Continue football/community action.
Vision: Timelapse of people arriving and using the stadium facilities, finishing on a wide drone shot of Mars Stadium.
And thanks to the Victorian Government for providing the funding and the work that's gone into providing this facility for us as a regional community to use.
We can't wait to enjoy this for many years to come.
The completed upgrades at Mars Stadium will not only benefit AFL and AFLW. It also means grassroots players, like those in the Central Highlands Football League, can experience bigger games on an even bigger stage.
The Central Highlands Football League plays a major role in grassroots football across the Ballarat region.
It is also one of the region’s largest community football competitions, with its grand final held at Mars Stadium.
Families and supporters can also enjoy an improved match-day experience with more seats and better facilities.
Part of a more than $100 million investment in the Ballarat Major Events Precinct, the upgrades to Mars Stadium include:
- 2 new grandstands
- 5,000 new permanent seats
- a huge 100-square-metre video scoreboard
- a new live-action TV broadcast platform
- a new southern viewing area to with better views for spectators
- new change rooms to accommodate multiple teams and fixtures on match days.
Accessibility improvements across the precinct mean more people can join in and attend events. These include a new lift under the grandstands and paths added across the venue, making it easier to get around.
The project also delivered a strong economic boost for the region – supporting more than 700 jobs and more than 30 regional suppliers and subcontractors during construction.
Mars Stadium is now better equipped to welcome bigger crowds, better events and stronger community connections.
We funded the upgrades through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.