Mars extends naming rights of Ballarat stadium
Ballarat’s premier sports facility will continue to be known as Mars Stadium for the next two years following an extension of the naming rights agreement.
Mars Wrigley’s partnership with the City of Ballarat and the Western Bulldogs has been extended, in a strong showing of commitment to elite sport in the region.
The ground, formerly known as Eureka Stadium, has commercially been known as Mars Stadium since regional Victorian venue hosted its first AFL game for premiership points in 2017.
Since the stadium was redeveloped to host elite sport, seven AFL home matches for the Western Bulldogs have been played at the venue, as well as A-League matches for Western United and pre-season Super Rugby games.
2022 will see Mars Stadium host a further two AFL fixtures for the Bulldogs plus an AFLW game for the first time. The Storm will play a NRL trial match at the venue later this month, while a further two A-League games are also scheduled.
General Manager of Mars Wrigley Australia, Andrew Leakey, said “It’s an honour to once again sponsor such an important part of the local Ballarat community. Ballarat has been an important part of our Mars Wrigley history; we’ve proudly been manufacturing our iconic products here for more than 40 years,”
“We feel at home in this wonderful community and it’s a great pleasure to be working alongside both The City of Ballarat and Western Bulldogs to drive a jam-packed calendar of events at Mars Stadium.
“It’s an exciting time for Ballarat; the commitment and investment in Mars Stadium is attracting some of the country’s biggest sporting codes and events which is hugely beneficial for the Ballarat community as a whole.”
The partnership will see the Mars logo continue to appear as the naming rights partner of the stadium 365 days a year, as well as having a strong branding presence around the stadium.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said, “since that first match for premiership points in 2017, Mars Stadium has become synonymous with AFL football in Ballarat and this agreement will only strength our reputation as the sporting capital of regional Victoria.”
Improvements at the 11,000-capacity stadium last year included concrete terracing on the outer hill, two new permanent entrances, new food and beverage outlets, permanent toilets for the Southern end and upgraded unisex player change rooms.
