AFL action up close in our own backyard is what Ballarat loves most about Mars Stadium. Western Bulldogs are set to bounce back into their Ballarat kennel on Saturday and we, as a city, can hardly wait.
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The city’s first AFL premiership game in August evoked a sense of nostalgia for old-school football days of standing on the mound and a kick after the siren.
But in a survey on thecourier.com.au, asking what people love most about Mars Stadium, it was the electric atmosphere and modern facilities for western Victoria’s premier regional area that respondents were most excited about. A “MARSterpiece”, as Stacey Aggett called it.
Stephen Hewett even penned a verse summing up what he loved most about Mars:
AFL games on Mars offers families a chance to experience the game’s highest level without having to trek to the state’s capital, whether you are a “hop, skip and jump away” in Beaufort like Eboney Burke or unable to make the journey easily.
Never imagined that I could walk to an AFL game whilst living in Ballarat As a lifelong diehard Doggies fan, it doesn’t get better than that Although we’re missing Libba, whose resting with a plate of spaghetti We’ll run the Suns off their feet and be quicker than Moneghetti!
- Stephen Hewett
“We can go to the football as a family without the hassle of travelling to Melbourne,” Jackie Kattula wrote.
“No tired cranky kids to drag home!!!!! Paradise!!!!!!”
Sandra Plousi wrote about the great festival vibe inside the ground and plenty of children’s activities on offer.
This time, the Bulldogs are activating the showgrounds with lots of children’s activities, like face painting, a kicking zone, petting zoo, giveaways and a Ferris wheel.
Inside the stadium, fans are called to make a warm reception for our Western Bulldogs in their clash against Gold Coast Suns on Saturday.
This will be the city’s second AFL premiership season game, and the first of two Bulldogs’ home games at Mars Stadium this year.
Mars Stadium was near capacity for the historic Bulldogs-Port Adelaide last year, able to hold 11,000 snarling with 5000 undercover seats.
Fans appreciated the up-close AFL experience the boutique stadium offered.
“The atmosphere is electric - you can feel every bump, every kick, every tackle because being at Mars Stadium is an intimate and unique experience you don't want to miss out on,” Matt Grace wrote.
The Courier and Western Bulldogs are offering five game day experiences for Saturday, including a double pass in reserved seating and two spots in the guard of honour as the Bulldogs run through their banner.
Entries close Thursday at noon, here.
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