Ballarat athletes get world-class track on home soil
Ballarat's new World Athletics Class 2 track gives regional athletes access to facilities once only available in cities.
The Ballarat Regional Athletics Centre opened Friday on the old Showgrounds site. The venue has an international-standard running track, multi-sport infield, undercover seating, canteen, and lights for evening events.
The $100 million Mars Stadium precinct was planned to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but Victoria cancelled the bid after costs blew out more than $5 billion. Young athletes can now train and compete at world-class standards without leaving Ballarat.
The venue unlocked more than 10,000 square metres of greenspace and removed a fence along White Avenue. Ballarat's mayor said the track would drive long-term economic benefits through visiting teams and spectators.
- October 23
- Centre opening
- 100 million dollars
- Precinct cost
- 5 billion dollars blowout
- Games cancellation cost
- More than 10,000 square metres
- Greenspace unlocked
Why it mattersThe track provides regional athletes with opportunities previously restricted to cities, offering a chance to stay local while pursuing big ambitions.
AustraliaBallarat and regional Victoria now have a world-standard athletics venue that supports elite training and major events without the cost of hosting the Commonwealth Games.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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