We know AFL players like the surface each time there is a Mars landing. Western Bulldogs captain Easton Wood this week lauded it as "absolutely pristine" and the best surface he had played on.
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And we are pretty sure Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley loves everything about a trip to Mars - even though he could barely see by the end of his team's last visit when bad fixturing plunged the game into darkness. Post-match, Hinkley was quick to put his hand up for another Mars game to build on his team's perfect record in this 'Dogs' house.
Even so, we are still trying to find our groove for what AFL in Ballarat is all about - our trademark and the unquestionable reason why the game needs to keep coming back.
We have to admit, our last hosting duties were not Ballarat at its finest. The miserably cold weather, broken scoreboard and Sunday afternoon twilight fixture in the middle of winter showcased the stereotype outsiders perceive that we have been working to shake for years.
AFL identity Wayne Carey did all but call us a country joke.
While the views of those on the frontlines - like Wood and Hinkley - carry far more weight than a legend seeking a headline in the saturated world of AFL commentary, Ballarat, we have some making up to do.
A Saturday afternoon fixture, despite clashes with grassroots senior matches, should help. Opponent Brisbane Lions, in their first Mars venture, should help. The fact the Lions sport exciting western Victorian exports Hugh McCluggage (South Warrnambool) and Jarrod Berry (Horsham Saints) in the playing mix is a big help.
No excuses: we need to step up and take responsibility for putting on a good show.
The only way to do that is to pack Mars Stadium and be out roaring (or snarling, considering we are a Bulldog city) in full voice.
It can be hard as living in a regional city to understand what many in top football echelons consider a huge effort to make a game in Ballarat, from media to club staff. That's right, many whinge on the perceived tyranny of distance.
While we think little of travelling for football, to play or watch, many treat a Ballarat fixture like an interstate game. It was no different when North Ballarat Roosters were hosting Victorian Football League rivals despite the fact the Roosters had to make the journey into metropolis for at least half their season.
Like it or not, we have to work harder to win them over.
We do a great job at building a Bulldog-vibe leading into game days. Flags lining the major entry points to our city create a proud excitement. The annual Bull-Doggie-Do is a quirky, fun tradition. Hop Lane's red, white and blue umbrellas offer a festival feel.
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When it comes to the crunch, none of this means much unless we show up and prove we mean business when it comes to hosting AFL in Ballarat.
It is a competitive world to host AFL premiership season matches and we only get two a year. They need to make an impact.
Easton Wood and his Bulldogs might like our Mars surface, but we need to give them some cheering worth fighting for.
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