New sports venue announced for Ballarat as EOI for Eureka Stadium upgrades released

The Victorian Government is delivering a new community sporting venue at Miners Rest, on Ballarat’s north-western fringe that will support local sports clubs to train and compete ahead of the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.

It has also released an Expression of Interest (EoI) for a head contractor to complete the upgrade to Ballarat’s Eureka Stadium.

Victorian Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy Harriet Shing notes “we’re investing in world-class sporting infrastructure that will drive economic growth and pride of place, leaving an enduring legacy of accessible, inclusive and fit-for-purpose housing and community infrastructure in Ballarat.”

The new venue at Miners Rest will be just ten minutes from Eureka Stadium and include a competition-grade oval and sports pavilion with carparking, amenities and changerooms all designed to accommodate local sporting activities.

It is anticipated to minimise disruptions to training and match schedules for local sports teams and remain as an additional sports facility for the Ballarat community post-Games.

Local sporting clubs will also benefit from a suite of upgrades to Eureka Stadium, including improved accessibility features, and an additional 5,000 permanent seats which will mean a bigger and better experience for athletes and spectators.

The Ballarat Showgrounds site to the south will also become the home of a new athletics warm-up facility for Victoria 2026, becoming a permanent facility for the community and sporting groups to enjoy after the Games.

Parties interested in the EOI can register via the Buying for Victoria website from which a shortlist of civil contractors will be invited to participate in a Request for Proposal process.

It is estimated the Games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy.

Image. Concept plan for the Eureka Stadium expansion ahead of the Victorian 2026 Commonwealth Games.