FOOTBALL can now flick the switch on brighter, more powerful lights than ever before in Eureka Stadium night matches.
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Eight new, 37-metre tall light towers, officially ticked off on Friday morning, are in place about the boundary that together will illuminate the playing arena to Victorian Football League standards.
It is the latest step in the stadium’s $15 million redevelopment. Construction tenders for the stadium grandstand and spectator facilities closed in late March and are expected to be awarded mid this year. Grandstand construction will also begin this year under direction from Melbourne-based firm Peddle Thorp Architects.
Resurfacing, ground realignment and re-sizing of the playing arena is complete. The ground is now Etihad Stadium dimensions, as favoured by the AFL and Western Bulldogs.
This has creates room for the new 5000-seats undercover in the new grandstand, a video scoreboard, improved player facilities, merchandise and food stalls and a wider concourse in existing stands.
City of Ballarat estimates the stadium redevelopment will increase annual tourism spending in the city by $3.6 million with an extra 21,000 visitors to Ballarat each year. The stadium design can cater for international acts and tournaments, bringing bigger events to the region.
Western Bulldogs have committed to bring AFL premiership games to Ballarat, as an alternate home base, for five years from 2017. The Dogs have made clear they are keen to play on beyond.
Victorian regional development minister Jaala Pulford said it was exciting to watch stadium progress.
“Work is on track to deliver the world-class stadium that Ballarat deserves,” Ms Pulford said. “The revitalised Eureka precinct will not only benefit local sporting clubs, it means teams like the Western Bulldogs can hit the paddock in Ballarat and bring more visitors to regional Victoria.”
Eureka precinct redevelopment includes the CE Brown Reserve, Ballarat Showgrounds and new indoor stadium Ballarat Sports and Events Centre under $31.5 million from the Andrews government. The $14 million stage one BSEC project officially launched on Thursday with the announcement of Mantric Architects to lead design for a 1500-seat showcourt and three extra courts.
