STRUCTURAL works for Eureka Stadium’s new grandstand is underway. Steel posts are the first clear visual markers as the City of Ballarat continues preparations to host its first AFL premiership season match next year.
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Extra attention is growing on construction progress with the City’s partner club Western Bulldogs preparing for the AFL grand final this week. The Bulldogs have committed to playing some home matches at the stadium for the next five years.
Victorian Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford is expected to tour the site for a progress update on Thursday morning.
Work at the stadium stepped up this month at the region’s football seasons end. Tenants North Ballarat maintained access to the ground for training and match days amid preliminary works.
The ground was resurfaced, realigned and resized to Etihad Stadium dimensions last summer.
North Ballarat chairman Jenny Bromley said it was exciting to watch the latest grandstand developments take shape.
“It’s such an exciting time for the Western Bulldogs and we can expect a pretty packed house when they they play here,” Ms Bromley said. “What we’ve got to remember is that we it’s not just an elite oval. AS many people as possible should have a chance to play on the same oval as the Bulldogs in community football, TAC Cup and VFL (Victorian Football League).”
Ms Bromley said it was business as usual for football departments and sports club, which showcases a full view of construction works. The club will host its AFL grand final lunch, featuring Hawthorn great John Platten and Bulldog Tony Liberatore, on Thursday afternoon.
The $15 million Eureka Stadium redevelopment should have an 11,000 spectator capacity, including the 5000-seat new grandstand. New 37-metre tall, 300 lux light towers were switched on for night football in April, illuminating the ground to VFL standard.
Western Bulldogs expanded their western front in a formal agreement with the City of Ballarat two years ago. The partnership includes Bulldogs-led community, welfare and health programs.
Western Bulldogs are offering two free tickets to cheer them on in the AFL grand final and two tickets to a post-match event at Birrarung Marr. Entrants must live with a 50-kilometre radium of Ballarat’s city centre.
To enter: westernbulldogs.com.au/ballaratgrandfinal.