In another boost for the Ballarat region, the Allan Labor Government has secured a three-match AFL pre-season series for early 2025 – attracting visitors and fuelling local businesses.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, Member for Eureka Michaela Settle and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett today announced the ‘Ballarat Festival of Footy’ will run from 27 February to 1 March at Mars Stadium, bringing thousands of fans to the region for a packed weekend of AFL action.

As part of the Festival, fans will be able to watch six Victorian AFL clubs compete in three pre-season matches:

• Friday, 27 February – Melbourne vs Richmond, Mars Stadium, 4.10pm
• Saturday, 28 February – St Kilda vs Essendon, Mars Stadium, 3.10pm
• Sunday, 1 March – North Melbourne vs Collingwood, Mars Stadium, 3.10pm

The three-game fixture is part of a broader festival of sport and culture across the region, complementing the two home-and-away games the Western Bulldogs will play in Ballarat in 2028, marking 11 years of AFL in the city.

The Labor Government is currently delivering a major upgrade to Mars Stadium including a new videoboard, southern embankment, additional change rooms for double-headers and a new 5,000-seat grandstand – doubling venue capacity to 10,000. Works are underway and due for completion in late 2026.

The Ballarat Festival of Footy has been funded through the Labor Government’s $38 million Regional Events Fund, which supports festivals, sporting events and art exhibitions that create local jobs, boost tourism and showcase Victoria’s regional communities. Previous support in the region includes events such as the Ballarat Marathon and Ballarat Foto Biennale.

The Fund offers up to $500,000 for major events of national or international significance and up to $50,000 for events that draw visitors from across the state and country. Over the past year, regional events across Victoria have attracted more than one million attendees and delivered more than 300,000 hotel nights.

The Labor Government’s Major Events Fund also supports major regional events including the Rip Curl Pro, Superbikes World Championship Australian Round, Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and Beyond the Valley.

More information about the fund can be found at: corporate.visitvictoria.com/events/regional-events-fund.

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“We’re thrilled to bring the Ballarat Festival of Footy to Mars Stadium. Not only will these matches be an incredible spectacle, but they’ll help fill our hotels, pubs, cafes and shops with footy fans.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“This Festival of Footy will bring thousands of visitors to local communities, providing a huge boost for businesses and showcasing some of our regions most incredible destinations.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“Ballarat’s Festival of Footy will deliver massive crowds, support local jobs and give fans an unforgettable AFL experience.”