$50 million upgrade for Ballarat's Eureka Stadium

The Victorian Government is believed to be ready to commit $50 million for the redevelopment of a new AFL-standard stadium in the goldfields city of Ballarat.

Melbourne's the Herald Sun newspaper has reported that Victorian Premier John Brumby has confirmed long-term plans to upgrade Eureka Stadium to a 15,000 seat multi-purpose stadium.

The redevelopment, in one of regional Victoria's fastest-growing areas, would make the stadium suitable to host elite AFL games.

The Herald Sun report suggests that the North Melbourne Football Club is keen to play several home and away matches in Ballarat, based on a partnership with the Ballarat City Council.

North Melbourne Chief Executive Eugene Arocca said the Roos could play interstate clubs there such as Western Sydney, Gold Coast, Fremantle and Port Adelaide, stating "Ballarat has been on our radar for two years and we have been lobbying the Government to consider the possibility and the logistics of creating a regional-based stadium, particularly in Ballarat."

It is understood that the Victorian Government would aim for other Victorian-based AFL clubs to play several other games against low-drawing interstate teams at the proposed venue.

The Victorian Government plans would make the stadium a potential training base if Australiaâs 2022 FIFA World Cup bid is successful.

Arocca is reported as saying that North Melbourne is committed to Ballarat, explaining that the Kangaroos have held many meetings with Ballarat Council over the past two years about the prospect of bringing more AFL action to the city.

Arocca was quoted as saying that âwe have spoken to the Mayor of Ballarat and the Chief Executive and they are committed to creating a stadium that will accommodate somewhere between 10,000-15,000 fans.

"I would think that, for an AFL match in season, you would need at least 15,000 (seats). You would need a level of comfort that members and supporters are used to in Melbourne.

"Obviously, it would be used for sporting activities in that region and I would presume it would include rugby or soccer."