News Alert |

The City of Ballarat is working to preserve the playing surface of Mars Stadium despite this week’s extreme wet weather. 

While the North Ballarat v Darley Seniors match will still be played at Mars Stadium tomorrow, the North Ballarat Reserve and U19s matches, along with the pre-match warm-ups for these matches, will be moved to North #2 Oval. 

Severe wet weather conditions experienced in Ballarat since late yesterday and forecast to continue across the weekend prompted the decision. 

This move will help to ensure the surface of Mars Stadium will be in the best possible condition for upcoming scheduled games, including the AFL Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Crows on Sunday 25 August and three days of grand finals for the Central Highlands Football Netball League, Ballarat Junior Football Netball League and Ballarat Senior Football Netball League. 

City of Ballarat staff met with representatives of the North Ballarat Football Club today to discuss the move. 

“We recognise that this weekend is a big weekend for North Ballarat, with a feature sponsors’ day and the last home game for the season, so we really appreciate the understanding of the club, players and supporters,” City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Samantha McIntosh says. 

“We encourage as many people as possible to head over to Mars Stadium and North #2 Oval to experience what real footy is like in a Ballarat winter and to cheer on the teams.” 

Access to the changerooms and all other facilities at Mars Stadium will still be available for the U19s and Reserve teams to use.