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Ballarat City Oval chosen to host 2026 football and netball grand finals - Ballarat, VIC
Smart summary
Ballarat Football Netball League grand finals will return to City Oval for the fourth consecutive year after Mars Stadium upgrades were not completed in time.
The Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) has confirmed that its 2026 grand finals will again be held at City Oval, continuing the venue’s role as the host location for one of the region’s biggest sporting events.
The decision means the women’s football, senior men’s football and netball grand finals will take place at City Oval for the fourth consecutive year. Officials considered moving the event to Mars Stadium, but planned upgrades at the venue, including improved facilities and a new grandstand, will not be completed before this year’s finals.
BFNL representatives said City Oval remains a strong venue because of its history, location and ability to host large community sporting events. The league will continue working with the City of Ballarat to review future options once Mars Stadium upgrades are finished.
The decision is expected to bring thousands of players, families and supporters into Ballarat for the finals weekend. Local sporting events provide important benefits for regional communities by supporting hospitality businesses, local clubs and tourism activity.
Ballarat has a long sporting tradition, with Australian rules football and netball playing a major role in the community. Local clubs rely on strong participation and community support throughout the season, with grand finals representing the highlight of the competition.
The City Oval venue has hosted many important sporting moments and continues to be a central part of Ballarat’s sporting identity. Council upgrades and facility improvements across the region aim to ensure local venues can continue supporting community sport.
The BFNL will now prepare for the 2026 finals series, with clubs competing for the opportunity to play in the grand final at the historic Ballarat venue.
BallaratFinalsCitySportingFootball
The Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) has confirmed that its 2026 grand finals will again be held at City Oval, continuing the venue’s role as the host location for one of the region’s biggest sporting events.
The decision means the women’s football, senior men’s football and netball grand finals will take place at City Oval for the fourth consecutive year. Officials considered moving the event to Mars Stadium, but planned upgrades at the venue, including improved facilities and a new grandstand, will not be completed before this year’s finals.
BFNL representatives said City Oval remains a strong venue because of its history, location and ability to host large community sporting events. The league will continue working with the City of Ballarat to review future options once Mars Stadium upgrades are finished.
The decision is expected to bring thousands of players, families and supporters into Ballarat for the finals weekend. Local sporting events provide important benefits for regional communities by supporting hospitality businesses, local clubs and tourism activity.
Ballarat has a long sporting tradition, with Australian rules football and netball playing a major role in the community. Local clubs rely on strong participation and community support throughout the season, with grand finals representing the highlight of the competition.
The City Oval venue has hosted many important sporting moments and continues to be a central part of Ballarat’s sporting identity. Council upgrades and facility improvements across the region aim to ensure local venues can continue supporting community sport.
The BFNL will now prepare for the 2026 finals series, with clubs competing for the opportunity to play in the grand final at the historic Ballarat venue.
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