The Western Bulldogs' desire to fulfill its commitment to playing two games in Ballarat this year has been enhanced with limited crowds now permitted in stadiums.
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The Federal Government announced on Friday that under stage three restrictions, stadiums with fewer than 40,000 seats will be permitted to host up to 25 per cent of capacity.
With Mars Stadium able to seat in the vicinity of 5000, this will allow a crowd of up to 1250 to initially attend games at the venue - adding to its appeal in a COVID-19 compromised AFL season in which matches have been played without crowds.
Ballarat mayor Cr Ben Taylor welcomed the development, while reinforcing the timing for stage three remained in the hands of the State Government.
He said right through the period of the pandemic the City of Ballarat had maintained that it stood ready to host AFL games - with or without crowds - with a great surface and facility in Mars Stadium set to go.
Cr Taylor said being able to get a crowd, no matter what size, would be great.
Western Bulldogs chief executive officer Ameet Bains stated last month that the club hoped to honour its commitment for two matches at Mars Stadium this season.
"For us, playing in Ballarat is critical," Bains said.
"We enjoy playing there. We also have an agreement with the State Government and the City of Ballarat, so we think it remains a great opportunity," he said.
The Bulldogs were originally scheduled to play Port Adelaide and Gold Coast in Ballarat this year, but that season fixture was abandoned when the season was halted owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
The AFL has not announced any fixtures beyond round five, with Ballarat yet to featured as a venue.
Cr Taylor said after having to put the agreement with the Bulldogs and AFL on hold during the COVID-19 shutdown, council was now back in negotiations to ensure Ballarat secured the two games - with dates in July and August most likely.
"It's all about selling Ballarat."
He said no matter how big a crowd was, it would still be a big show for Ballarat.
Cr Taylor said opening stadiums might also open up an opportunity for more games this year.
"Why not?"
The mayor also said the city council also stood ready to assist community football to get underway if it received the green light.
The Federal Government gave no indication on Friday about allowing full contact sport or non-seated crowds at outdoor venues.