Mars Stadium, located in Ballarat, Victoria, is a multi-purpose sports venue that serves as a key location for Australian rules football, rugby, soccer, and cricket. Originally known as Eureka Stadium, the stadium underwent significant renovations between 2016 and 2017, transforming it into a modern facility capable of hosting top-tier sporting events. The stadium, with a capacity of 11,000, remains home to the North Ballarat Football Club and the Greater Western Victoria Rebels, while also serving as a venue for AFL, AFLW, and other sporting competitions.
History and Development of Mars Stadium
Eureka Stadium (later Mars Stadium) first opened in 1990 and initially served as a venue for Australian rules football and cricket. Over the years, the stadium hosted several annual events such as the Ballarat Gift and Ballarat Agricultural Show-ring activities. However, the need for a more football-oriented facility became evident, and 2004 saw the stadium’s conversion to a rectangular shape to better accommodate football games.
In the following years, Ballarat officials pushed for the development of a Level 3 AFL stadium. After multiple proposals, funding from the Victorian Government and support from local sports organizations resulted in the stadium’s redevelopment. From 2015 to 2017, the stadium underwent substantial upgrades, including the construction of new grandstands, a video scoreboard, and improved player facilities.
Recent Renovations and Modern Features
The 2016-2017 redevelopment was part of a larger vision to transform the stadium into a venue capable of hosting AFL matches and other significant sports events. The East and South upper decks were built to increase seating capacity to 11,000. The renovation also improved the playing field with advanced irrigation and drainage systems and installed light towers that could accommodate night matches at a professional level. The ground was officially renamed Mars Stadium after Mars Confectionery secured the naming rights in 2017.
Mars Stadium’s Role in Australian Football and Rugby
Mars Stadium has become a staple for AFL in Ballarat. Starting in 2017, the Western Bulldogs began hosting AFL premiership games at the venue, and the Bulldogs continue to play two AFL and one AFLW game per season. The stadium also hosts pre-season matches and provides a training venue for local and national teams.
The stadium is not only a hub for AFL but has also been used for rugby union and rugby league. In 2022, Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights played a pre-season rugby league match at the stadium, attracting over 5,000 fans. The stadium has also been a venue for Super Rugby AU matches, hosting the Melbourne Rebels in 2019 and 2020.
Association Football and Cricket at Mars Stadium
While A-League football matches were initially hosted at Mars Stadium, with Western United FC playing home games from 2019 to 2024, the venue’s primary use for soccer was short-lived. Nevertheless, the facility remains adaptable for other events. Although the redevelopment eliminated cricket as a main feature, the venue’s infrastructure still supports drop-in wickets for future use, particularly for large-scale cricket events.
Future Developments and Expansion Plans
The future of Mars Stadium remains focused on further growth and improvement. The City of Ballarat and Victorian Government have committed additional funds to expand the stadium’s capacity and upgrade its facilities. As part of the Stage 3 development, announced in 2024, the eastern stand will be extended, adding 5,000 additional seats, and a larger video scoreboard will be installed. These updates are expected to be completed by 2026.
Mars Stadium’s rich history, with its evolving design and growing sports culture, ensures it will remain a central figure in Ballarat’s sporting landscape for years to come.
