Ballarat’s showpiece AFL and sporting venue will continue to be known as Mars Stadium for a further two years.

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.

Sports fans and the Ballarat community have become familiar with Mars Stadium since 2017, when the three organisations came together for naming rights of the venue ahead of the first ever AFL match played in Ballarat for premiership points.

Since then, the stadium has hosted seven AFL matches, as well as a range of other sports and events, as the Bulldogs continue their long-term commitment to the Ballarat region.

Two more AFL games are scheduled for Mars Stadium in 2022, plus a first-ever AFLW fixture.

“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,” said Andrew Leakey – General Manager, Mars Wrigley Australia.

“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.

“Mars Wrigley has a long and storied history with Ballarat, and we’re excited to be so closely aligned with them and the City of Ballarat as we continue to grow our presence in the region,” said Bulldogs’ CEO Ameet Bains.

“Mars Stadium has become our second home.  It’s a fantastic facility which has enabled our fans and the people of Ballarat to watch top-flight football, which complements our year-round work in the local community, schools and in junior football.

“Having partners like Mars Wrigley, the City of Ballarat and the State Government will ensure that our partnership will continue to prosper for years to come.”

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said: “Together with the Western Bulldogs, we share the excitement that Mars Wrigley has extended its agreement as naming rights partner of Mars Stadium for a further two years.”

“This is a fantastic result for the City of Ballarat from a company that has been a part of our community for more than four decades.

“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.”