Ballarat AFL games to be shifted in 2026, extra fixtures confirmed for 2028

The AFL has confirmed that the Western Bulldogs will not host home and away games in Ballarat during the 2026 AFL season as the Mars Stadium redevelopment continues.  

The decision to relocate the games was made by the AFL after extensive consultation with the Club, the State Government and Club partners Visit Victoria, City of Ballarat, Mars Wrigley and Marvel Stadium, with all parties working collaboratively to arrive at the outcome.

Given capacity limitations due to the ongoing redevelopment of Mars Stadium, moving both AFL games from 2026 to 2028 has been deemed the most appropriate course of action.

The Club will host an AFLW game at the venue in 2026, with redevelopment works on schedule to be completed by next September, which will result in increased seating capacity and a significantly enhanced gameday experience for attendees.

When Mars Stadium has returned to full capacity, the Club will play two AFL games at the venue in both 2027 and 2028 as part of its ongoing commitment to the region.

Meanwhile, the AFL has confirmed that Mars Stadium will host three AFL pre-season games in February as part of the 2026 AAMI AFL Community Series to maintain the delivery of elite AFL content in the region, with these matches also acting as a replacement to this year’s Round 18 game v Adelaide due to relocation.

A Bulldogs Community Camp will also take place in Ballarat in early December, during which the Club’s AFL players will attend an open training session and a Superkick Clinic at Mars Stadium.

The Club will also maintain its year-round commitments to the city and the surrounding area, including the provision of ongoing programs through its Community Foundation.

Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains said the Club appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders involved in the decision as well as the understanding of members and supporters.  

“Arriving at this decision has not been easy and we understand and accept the outcome,” Bains said. 

“The Club’s commitment to Ballarat remains absolute and the resumption of AFL matches in Ballarat remains an essential part of our partnership.

“We look forward to bringing our AFL squad to town for next month’s Community Camp and are proud of the work that our Community Foundation – through our office in Ballarat – delivers across the region every week of the year.

“We’re extremely grateful for the understanding and support of our Ballarat members and fans, and each of our Ballarat partners. We love the passionate support of the Ballarat faithful and hope to be playing in our home away from home for a very long time to come.”

Ballarat members will receive complimentary access to two of the Western Bulldogs eleven home matches of their choice at Marvel Stadium during the 2026 AFL season. Further details regarding members redeeming games will be communicated closer to the beginning of the season.

Ballarat membership entitlements will remain in place and will resume on 2027 memberships when the Club returns to the fully redeveloped Mars Stadium.

Full-season members who either have already renewed or renew before 31 December 2025 will receive complimentary access to the two relocated Marvel Stadium games, providing them with access to eleven home games for the price of nine in 2026.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said she looked forward to both the 2026 pre-season matches in Ballarat, as well as the additional 2028 home and away fixtures.

"The City of Ballarat is excited at the prospect of Mars Stadium hosting three official AFL AAMI Community Series matches in February 2026, transforming the city into a football hub as excitement builds before the 2026 season," she said.

"Having three different AFL matches being played in Ballarat will give many local supporters the rare opportunity to see their own team playing right on their doorstep.

"We understand and accept the decision from the AFL and Western Bulldogs not to host home and away season matches in 2026, due to the limited capacity as a result of the Ballarat Major Events Precinct upgrades.

"We are very pleased about having the opportunity to host two AFL games in 2028 in lieu of the 2026 matches. We feel this will be a great outcome for the city, as the additional 2028 matches will come at no extra cost to the City of Ballarat.

"It has been fantastic to continue to have AFLW played in Ballarat as well as the continuation of the highly valuable community-based Western Bulldogs programs that have had such a positive impact on the city. These programs have been running throughout 2025 and will continue in 2026 as part of our partnership.

"We are proud to have built such a strong relationship with the Western Bulldogs and Visit Victoria over many years, and their ongoing commitment to Ballarat is a testament to the strength of the partnership.

"We look forward to the completion of the Ballarat Major Events Precinct upgrades, which will enhance the city’s ability to attract world-class sport and entertainment, while significantly boosting community pride and economic growth." 

BALLARAT COMMUNITY CAMP DETAILS

• December 2 & 3
• Open Training December 2 – 4.30pm at Mars Stadium