News Alert |

The City of Ballarat is excited to announce the Festival of Football with Western United’s first two Ballarat games set to take place at the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility in September. 

The Festival of Football will see Western United play against current FFA Cup holders Adelaide United and current A League champions Sydney FC in the space of six days. 

The two friendly games will be held on: 

The Saturday 21 September game will take place ahead of Ballarat White Night while the Friday 27 September game will take place on the public holiday for Grand Final Eve. 

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Samantha McIntosh says this is a fantastic opportunity for Ballarat soccer and Western United fans to see top level soccer in their own backyard. 

“Soccer is one of Ballarat’s fastest growing sports. We know our work to attract Western United here will only strengthen grassroots level soccer while bolstering Ballarat’s position in the state’s major events scene.” 

WUFC Director of Football Steve Horvat says: “Ballarat Festival of Football is an important milestone in our relationship with the region. As someone from the Western corridor of the state, I sense what football means to the local community. With our commitment to the football family of Ballarat, these pre-season games provide the opportunity for football fans, within the region, to connect with their own professional football club.” 

WUFC Head Coach Mark Rudan says the club is looking forward to playing two pre-season fixtures in Ballarat. “The games against Adelaide United and Sydney FC in Ballarat come at an important time in our pre-season preparation ahead of the 2019/20 Hyundai A-League season. From a football perspective, a competitive hit out against A-League opposition is vital at this time of year.” 

Adelaide United Director of Football Bruce Djite looked at this fixture against the A-League's newest club as a great opportunity to keep building momentum. “We’re very excited to be bringing Adelaide United to Ballarat. The game against Western United will be a great test for our boys and we’re looking forward to this key part of our pre-season preparations as we edge closer to the A-League season commencing.” 

This will be the second time Sydney FC will be playing in Ballarat and current head coach Steve Corica can’t wait. “We are looking forward to facing Western United. It’s exciting to be playing the new team which will give us a chance to see what they are about before the seasons starts. I’m also keen to increase the standard and quality of opposition as we get closer to the start of the A-League campaign in order to hit the ground running, so this is a good test for our players.” 

Western United will also play four games for points in 2019-2020 at Ballarat’s premier multi-sports and events facility Mars Stadium, providing the region’s soccer fans with the chance to see their favourite players in action right here in Ballarat. 

The friendly matches are a coup for the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility, which has a capacity of 4,000. While the games for points are expected to attract more than 5,000 fans and will be held at Mars Stadium, which can cater for more than 11,000 spectators, the friendlies are expected to attract strong but smaller crowds. 

The City of Ballarat has been working to attract the A League’s newest side, Western United, to play matches in Ballarat. 

Earlier this year, City of Ballarat officers met with Western United CEO Maurice Bisetto and facilitated a venue tour of both the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility and Mars Stadium. 

The City of Ballarat also acknowledges the support of Ballarat City FC Coach James Robinson for assisting to bring these fantastic events to Ballarat. 

The City of Ballarat also extends a special welcome to Western United members to Ballarat. Western United members will receive free entry into both games on the presentation of their membership ticket. 

Festival of Football tickets will go on sale today through hermaj.com 

Festival of Football ticket prices: 

One game pass 

Grandstand seat – $25 

General admin – adult $15 

General admin – child $5 (incl entry to both games)  

Two game pass

Grandstand – $40 

General admin – adult $25   

General admin – child $5 (incl entry to both games)