Ballarat Stadium Redevelopment FAQs

FAQs: BALLARAT STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT – IMPACT ON RESERVED SEAT AND GENERAL ADMISSION MEMBERS

ON SALE DATES

1. What changes are happening at Mars Stadium?

Ballarat is the Western Bulldogs’ home away from home and the Club was delighted to extend its partnership with the city and state government last year.

Mars Stadium is undergoing a major redevelopment that will increase its seating capacity by 5,000, bringing the total to 10,000. This upgrade is focused on the eastern end and will take place across both the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

A foundational element of that almost decade-long partnership is bringing elite footy to Ballarat every year and the Club remains fully committed to that agreement as it maintains an enduring connection with the region.

Playing home games at Mars Stadium provides enormous benefits to Ballarat multiple times each year, supporting local jobs, businesses and the community of the west.

These redevelopment works will unfortunately affect attendance numbers in the short-term but we are pleased that we will still be able to accommodate our reserved seat members throughout this period.

We are also looking forward to the enhancements that the redevelopment will deliver, significantly enhancing the fan experience at Bulldogs games. The Club appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding throughout this period.

2. How will the redevelopment affect reserved seating?

  • The overall stadium capacity will be reduced by around 50%.
  • The Western Stand will remain fully accessible during construction.
  • No General Admission will be available.
  • Reserved seat members must redeem a seat for each game via Ticketmaster. Seats will be allocated based on best available at the time of redemption - not necessarily your usual seat.
  • Reserved Seat holders will have a protected inventory.

3. How do reserved seat members redeem their seat for each game?

  • Members will not be able scan in with their membership cards, they are required to scan in with their redeemed
  • Instead, members must redeem a $0 ticket on Ticketmaster by entering their 12-digit barcode.
  • Seat locations will be automatically assigned based on best availability.

Need Help Finding your Barcode?

Barcodes can be found on the back of your membership card or via the Western Bulldogs App

Western Bulldogs | How to find your barcode

Accessible Ticketing

Patrons requiring accessible seating will have the option to call Ticketmaster hotline 1300 446 925 or complete the form on Ticketmaster website. 

The Ticketmaster Accessible Bookings team are available 9am – 5pm (AEST) Monday to Sunday. 

4. Will there be seating for the general public?

  • Due to reduced capacity, only a limited number of seats will be available for public sale.
  • No General Admission will be available.

5. What are the options for General Admission members?

  • Upgrade to Reserved Seat Membership: Guarantees a spot at Ballarat matches.

To upgrade to a Reserved Seat Ballarat Membership, please contact our Membership team.

  • Additional Access: GA members will receive access to two extra games at Marvel Stadium during this period as compensation.

6. Are there benefits for members who retain their memberships during construction?

Yes! Members who stick with their membership during redevelopment will receive:

  • Priority access to new seating in the redeveloped stand once complete. First pick of newly available seats in 2026.

7. How does the on-sale process work for Ballarat matches?

  • Members can redeem their Ballarat match seat starting Wednesday 16 April at 10am.
  • Ballarat Reserved Seat members will redeem a $0 ticket using their barcode (same as Round 2 vs Collingwood).
  • Bulldogs members without Ballarat entitlements can purchase a seat with their barcode—until allocation is exhausted.
  • Booking tickets to sit with family and friends?
    Members will be able to book up to two (2) tickets per barcode. If you plan to book tickets for multiple family members, or secure seats with others that are not members, you will be able to so during the general public on sale on Thursday 17th April at 10:00am.

8. I’m a Top Dogs or Legends Member without a Ballarat Reserved seat add on —what do I need to do?

  • You must also redeem a seat via Ticketmaster using your 12-digit barcode.
  • This process includes an upgrade fee to secure your reserved seat for Ballarat games.

9. I am a Cheer Squad Member; how can I secure my tickets?

As a Cheer Squad member, you get access to purchase a ticket in the Bulldogs Cheer Squad-only section (Section 6) for our Round 6 match vs Port Adelaide at Mars Stadium.

Important Reminders for Members:

  • Redeem your seat via Ticketmaster - your regular seat may not be available.
  • General Admission upgrades and ticket redemptions go live 16 April (Members) and 17 April (General Public), unless sold out earlier.

For questions or assistance, reach out to Membership Services:
1300 46 36 47 or alternatively email us at membership@westernbulldogs.com.au

2025 Members
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