Western Bulldogs partnership extended to 2024

Ballarat's reputation for hosting elite sporting events continues to be strengthened with the signing of a three-year partnership extension between the Western Bulldogs, the State Government and the City of Ballarat. 

This renewal will see two AFL home and away games played at MARS stadium each season until the end of 2024.  

The City of Ballarat has also entered into a separate funding deal to secure an annual AFLW home and away match as well. 

This partnership extension supports the City of Ballarat’s Events Strategy – securing major events in Ballarat for not only locals, but tourists from across the country.  

The City of Ballarat also acknowledges the ongoing support of the State Government through this partnership and also its significant financial support for the Ballarat Major Events Precinct development and Mars Stadium.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said it was an honour and a privilege to have the City of Ballarat so closely aligned with the Western Bulldogs. 

"Not only has this partnership delivered the excitement of AFL since 2017 and now AFLW matches in Ballarat, but it has also produced a range of important benefits to our community,” Cr Moloney said. 

“It’s because of this partnership that we have terrific programs like Sons and Daughters of the West and Bulldogs Read, which make a genuine positive impact on the people of Ballarat. 

“We're proud of the fact Mars Stadium’s playing surface has been rated one of the best in the country – a fact that's to the enormous credit of the City of Ballarat staff who carefully maintain this facility throughout the year and the ongoing support of the State Government. 

“It will be exciting to see the sea of red, white and blue once again fill the stands to cheer on their football heroes in 2022 and beyond.”