Sport
AFL footy heads to Ballarat this pre-season
Footy is heading back to the regions, and Ballarat is set to take centre stage. This February, Mars Stadium will come alive as part of the 2026 AFL Community Series, welcoming six Victorian clubs across a blockbuster weekend of pre-season action. With passionate rivalries, fresh faces in new guernseys, and a first look at what’s to come in the year ahead.
It’s the perfect warm-up for the premiership season and an ideal excuse for a weekend away, with plenty to see, d,o and explore around Ballarat throughout the weekend.
Matches
Melbourne v Richmond
The Community Series kicks off in Ballarat as Melbourne takes on Richmond on Friday, 27 February at 4:10 pm.
It’s been an off-season of big changes for the Demons, with Steven King stepping in as head coach and the departures of premiership stars Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver. The baby Tigers will be looking to build on the positives from last season, where glimpses of brilliance shone through from their talented young stars. This match is the perfect chance to see both sides test new combinations and emerging talent at Mars Stadium.
St Kilda v Essendon
Saturday in Ballarat brings another exciting showdown as St Kilda takes on Essendon at 3:10pm. The Saints head into the Community Series with plenty of anticipation after a busy off-season, holding onto star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera while adding key recruits Jack Silvagni, Tom De Koning and Sam Flanders. After an injury-hit 2025 season, the Bombers will be looking to bounce back, heavily investing in their youth and giving emerging players a chance to shine.
North Melbourne v Collingwood
The Community Series wraps up in Ballarat on Sunday, 1 March at 3.10pm with a clash between North Melbourne and Collingwood. After a couple of years of patient rebuilding, the Kangaroos look ready to make their move up the ladder under Alastair Clarkson. For the Magpies, the challenge is different. Can an aging side withstand the rigours of a full AFL season after last year’s late-season fade? This match promises to be a key early-season measure of where both sides are at.
What’s On in Ballarat?
Ballarat is rolling out the red carpet for footy fans during the 2026 AFL Community Series, turning a match-day trip into a full weekend experience. From 27 February to 1 March, ticket holders can take advantage of more than 15 special offers across the city. From discounted entry to iconic attractions like Ballarat Wildlife Park and Sovereign Hill, to unique food and drink deals at local cafés, pubs, and restaurants, and more – all designed to make your AFL weekend in Ballarat extra memorable.
Deals
· Ballarat Wildlife Park – 20% off Adult or Child tickets on presentation of your AFL Community series ticket booking.
· Kryal Castle – Stay and play at Kryal Castle, free entry to the castle with your stay (includes onsite cabins, tiny homes and castle suites)
· Sovereign Hill – 3-day pass for the price of 1 when you present your AFL Community series ticket.
· Aunty Jacks – $20 pizza and pot of house beer when you present your AFL Community series ticket.
· The Lane at The George Hotel – Barista coffee and AFL shortbread “footy bickie”
· Roy Hammond – $20 bao buns and gin & tonic when you present your AFL Community series ticket.
· Kilderkin Distillery – $10 gin and mixer for ticketholders on game days
· Hop Temple – $20 pizza and pot when you present your AFL Community series ticket.
· The George Hotel – Footy Pie with a twist! House-made Aussie beef pie with signature bang bang sauce
· North Star Hotel – Family Game Day Feast. 2x Legendary North Star parmas or burger plus 2 x kids meals for $69
· Hideaway Café – ‘The Football’ a mirror-glazed football-shaped gâteau, filled with a raspberry gel insert and white chocolate crémeux, encased in a pastry base.
· Froyo + Co – Footy themed and club-coloured toppings for your self-serve froyo. Plus, guess the weight of your Froyo before weighing and it’s on us.
· The Little Cupcake – Special club-themed cupcake colours. $14 AFL Cupcake Box which includes four cupcakes, a mix of chocolate and vanilla, topped with a swirl of the signature buttercream icing in your team colours.
· 1816 Bakehouse – A hot-dog-inspired sausage roll wrapped in house-made flaky golden pastry. Made for footy fans on the move.
· The Western – Order two main meals, show your footy ticket and receive a complimentary garlic pizza.
· The Boatshed – free house wine, beer or soft drink with any meal when you present your AFL match ticket.
· Soldiers Woodfired Pizzeria – 2 Big Ones woodfired pizzas, plus a garlic & cheese loaf and 2 cans of soft drink for just $60 (value up to $93).
· Sandwich Press Co – Mention FOOTY and get a free coffee. Small coffee of your choice available after 12pm as a pre-game caffeination! Also 25% off any food items, focaccias , toasties & snacks for any AFL Community Series ticketholders.
To see all the offers for the weekend, head to https://www.visitballarat.com.au
Tickets for the 2026 AFL Community Series in Ballarat are now sale via Ticketmaster.com.au. Reserved seating is $30 for adults and $10 for children, while general admission is $20 for adults and free for children aged 14 and under with a paying adult. Don’t miss out, grab your tickets and be part of all the action at Mars Stadium!
