Seats sell-out frenzy for AFL in Ballarat

Ticket sales were open from 10am on Wednesday morning after two days’ chance for non-Ballarat Western Bulldogs’ members to snaffle a spot at Mars Stadium on August 19.

All 5000 or so seats are taken and by late Wednesday there was a limited, unconfirmed, number of general admissions left on the market.

City of Ballarat is finalising community events and activation in the lead-up to game day to ensure those outside the predicted 11,000-strong stadium crowd will still be part of the hype and action.

The Bulldogs might be making Ballarat their home, but this match will have more than just Bulldogs’ fans out snarling.

Rival Port Adelaide has confirmed a strong army rallying for support with keen support from its members in securing a ticket.

Port Adelaide membership operations manager Leonie Way said the club was allocated 500 tickets, which the club expected to be fully used, for its Victorian-based members and cheersquad.

All other members were encouraged to enter the jostle for public ticketing.

Any fans can still find a seat, however, in the remaining ticket and accommodation packages available through Visit Ballarat and the Bulldogs. There are also limited Bulldogs’ membership packages left exclusive for Ballarat fans.

Otherwise it is standing room only on the mound.

Fans were quick to take to social media to celebrate their ticket success.

West Footscray-based Bulldog Leigh Ritchie made sure he captured his ticket before the general public sales for the historic clash.

“I’m pretty excited. This is a good opportunity for the club,” Mr Ritchie told The Courier. “There’s a fair few members who have been talking about the game, how they should go down to Ballarat. The only thing I have seen of the stadium are the videos on the club website.”

Ballarat Bulldogs Supporters’ Group members shared their success, like Mick Brennan who posted: “We are in Adelaide and have tickets for the game! Super excited for the inaugural match. Wish I was in Ballarat. Go Dogs”.