The AFL advises the Round 18 match of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season between the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide Crows has been moved from Mars Stadium in Ballarat to Marvel Stadium to allow for increased attendance at the match.
AFL Head of Strategy and Scheduling Josh Bowler said the change of venue would allow more fans to attend the match while the redevelopment of Mars Stadium is underway.
“With capacity at Mars Stadium currently limited, we have worked with the Western Bulldogs and Visit Victoria to relocate the match previously scheduled there against the Adelaide Crows in Round 18 and give more members and supporters the opportunity to attend the match at the larger venue of Marvel Stadium,” Bowler said.
Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains said the Club appreciated all those involved in the decision and the understanding from members and supporters.
“While it has been a difficult decision to shift venues for our Round 18 clash against the Adelaide Crows in Ballarat, all parties including the AFL, State Government and Club partners (Visit Victoria, City of Ballarat, Mars Wrigley and Marvel Stadium) have worked collaboratively to arrive at this outcome,” Bains said.
“Importantly, the Club remains extremely excited and committed to the current redevelopment of Mars Stadium, with AFL and AFLW games at Mars Stadium remaining a crucial part of the Club’s all-year round presence and involvement in the Ballarat region.
“The Club’s regular day-to-day support of the Ballarat region has become a vital cornerstone in all we do, and we look forward to our AFLW home game later this year and future AFL games at Mars Stadium for years to come.
“The Club is incredibly appreciative of the understanding from all members and fans, and looks forward to welcoming the red, white and blue army to another game at Marvel Stadium later this year.
”The match will take place on Saturday, July 12, with the first bounce at 1.20pm.Western Bulldogs members with Ballarat access will be able to use their membership to enter Marvel Stadium, with equivalent seating to what they would normally receive at Mars Stadium. All other Western Bulldogs members will be able to access the match in line with their existing Marvel Stadium entitlements.