While the Ballarat City Council will likely head back to the drawing board on its live site ahead of the next AFL fixture in Ballarat, mayor Samantha Mclntosh said the day went as well “as you could possibly have hoped for”.
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Alongside the Western Bulldogs’ loss to Port Adelaide, the small crowd at the Ballarat Showgrounds was one of few drawbacks for the city’s inaugural AFL home-and-away fixture, with more than 10,000 people packing out neighbouring Mars Stadium.
Cr Mclntosh said council would reassess the live site for future fixtures and would potentially consider abandoning the concept.
“It wasn’t as used as we would have liked but the people who ended up going had a great time,” Cr Mclntosh said.
“There was some conversation about having (the live site) in town, but our decision was about being close to the site and allowing people to soak up the enthusiasm of a 10,000-strong crowd.
“We will certainly discuss our options ahead of the next game.”
Despite horror weather forecasts, just a light shower in the latter stages of the match interrupted what was otherwise a clear day.
While the economic impact from the AFL clash has not been finalised, council estimates the upgraded facility will pump $3.6 million into the local economy each year through both football and other events.
The Bulldogs are due to play two home-and-away fixtures at Mars Stadium in season 2018 and could also play an AFLW match at their regional home.
Cr Mclntosh also said council was pleased with the park-and-ride system implemented to keep traffic away from the ground, with fans parking at locations around the city before being shuttled to the venue.
