While it is beyond obvious to say how hard it is to ask for a tangible sporting gift this Christmas, this is also a great opportunity for us.

Some might say what would be nice is something simple to say we are getting back in action. Nothing too ostentatious.

But really Santa, a bit of the big and flashy is what we need right now.

There is no doubt there is still a long way to go in pandemic recovery and a gift like the giant, outdoor search light-kinda beam we asked for last year, to signal our major event reputation, does not seem really appropriate.

A marching band would work.

The concept is very American but a marching band adds some pep. Done with the right technology, band members can safely, socially distance as is evident in some American college football half-time spectacles.

Or, the band could be positioned at one end of the ground - given crowds are likely to be restricted awhile longer - and musically project colour for goals scored or boundaries hit. Yes, a band could be a fun addition for cricket finals, seeing as our firsts' showdown was disbanded when pandemic conditions hit.

Indoors, we have the jumbotron we asked you for, in Christmas 2018, and while we love it, the screen has barely been able to showcase highlights in our new and largely empty Ballarat Sport and Events Centre. Hopefully Ballarat Miners and Rush will give the screen plenty to beam about in NBL1 next year. Our top basketball teams were set to officially move into BSEC this year.

Nearby at Mars Stadium, we have secured a couple of A League matches with Western United, which is great as we can offer them a boutique setting perfect for crowds right now. You could be surprised how much the band can play during Major League Soccer matches in the United States.

Western Bulldogs should be back - we are waiting on the AFL fixture but they are selling Ballarat memberships in a hopeful sign. A marching or brass band is not a feature of their kennels on the Docklands or Whitten Oval.

Cycling is another big billing for Ballarat, for we are the home of road cycling. We have to wait an extra month or so but Australia's elites will roll into town for the AusCycling National Road Cycling Championships. Imagine the band on a potentially otherwise more subdued King of the Mountain summit.

Most of all, we missed our community sport this year Santa.

Cricket, bowls and tennis are back but we still are largely unsure how our major winter sports might look. If we cannot all be there, like pre-COVID normal, perhaps the band could project a little atmosphere for players.

Maryborough Gift has the highland bands that make for a celebratory New Year's Day - but even that Gift is sidelined for now.

A return to sport is going to be exciting and likely pretty different. What Ballarat is good at, Santa, is community spirit. Motivational music and festive spirit beyond Christmas will help too. We might even let you put in a song request.

Yours in festive spirit,

Melanie (on behalf of Ballarat)

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