Ballarat Facility Upgrades Set Foundations for Season Contests

The City Oval grandstand changeroom upgrades reached completion in July 2026, converting older spaces into modern accessible facilities through $1.7 million from the City of Ballarat and a $100,000 AFL grant. At the same time a major upgrade at Russell Square finished, delivering AFL-compliant female-friendly change rooms, umpires' rooms and netball facilities supported by $500,000 from Sport Australia and $250,000 from the City of Ballarat.

Upgrades at City Oval and Russell Square

These two projects directly improve day-to-day training and match conditions for winter codes. Clubs using City Oval now operate from updated changerooms that meet current accessibility standards. Russell Square provides purpose-built spaces for female participants and officials, allowing netball and Australian rules teams to share the site without scheduling conflicts.

New Athletics Track and Sports Events Centre Works

Construction of a competition-level athletics track has begun on the cleared site at Creswick Road and Howit Street inside the Eureka Precinct, replacing the former showgrounds location. Meanwhile stage two works at the Ballarat Sports Events Centre continue under a $3.98 million contract awarded to H Troon Pty Ltd, adding three-on-three basketball courts and a strength and conditioning centre.

Mars Stadium Redevelopment

Mars Stadium, also known as Eureka Stadium, is the subject of a $150 million upgrade that will deliver 5,000 permanent seats and improved accessibility. The project proceeds after the Victorian Government's decision to cancel its 2026 Commonwealth Games hosting rights.

The combination of finished works at City Oval and Russell Square, active construction at the Eureka Precinct and Ballarat Sports Events Centre, and the larger Mars Stadium redevelopment gives Ballarat venues a consistent set of improvements. Local teams and event organisers can plan around these changes for the remainder of the winter season and beyond. Residents and clubs seeking further details on access or bookings can check the City of Ballarat website and the Sport Victoria regional sports infrastructure page for the latest schedules.

Sources Include (But not Limited to): https://sport.vic.gov.au/facilities/regional-sports-infrastructure-program/ballarat, https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/news/mayors-message-friday-17-july-2026, https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/news/sporting-facility-upgrade-unveiled-russell-square, https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/8759453/ballarats-old-showgrounds-make-way-for-new-athletics-track/, https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/community-sports-upgrades-booming-ballarat-0