The Western Bulldogs and Mars Wrigley have extended their partnership for another three years, ensuring Ballarat’s AFL and events venue will continue to be known as Mars Stadium until at least the end of 2027.
As part of the renewed agreement, the Bulldogs and Mars Wrigley will introduce match-day experiences and community initiatives aimed at engaging Ballarat residents. Increased investment will also support local community heroes and sporting clubs, with details on new programs to be announced in the coming weeks.
The extension marks a decade of collaboration between the Western Bulldogs, City of Ballarat, and Mars Wrigley, reinforcing their shared commitment to supporting sport and events in the region.
Bulldogs chief commercial and strategy officer, Kon Karavias, said: “Since 2017, Mars Stadium has become our second home for our AFL and AFLW teams, so this extended partnership with Mars Wrigley and the City of Ballarat will see us continue to strengthen our connection within the region.
“The atmosphere at all three of our Mars Stadium games last year was really special. Ballarat is now our third largest postcode of members, and we are excited to continue delivering amazing experiences for our members, fans and the wider Ballarat community across the next three years,” he said.
The Western Bulldogs and Mars Wrigley have extended their partnership for another three years.
Mars Wrigley Australia sales director, Xavier Shortal, said: “It’s an honour to sponsor such an iconic and important part of the local Ballarat community, as well as deepen our association with the Western Bulldogs.
“This sponsorship signifies Mars Wrigley’s commitment to the great city of Ballarat, which has been an important part of our history for more than 40 years, producing our iconic confectionary brands including Mars, Snickers, Maltesers, M&M’s and Pods,” added Mr Shortal.
“We’re thrilled to be using this sponsorship to give back to the local community, including launching a number of new community initiatives that we’ll proudly be working to deliver alongside the Western Bulldogs.”
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves also expressed her delight with the partnership renewal.
“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 three years,” she said.
“Mars Stadium is now well and truly associated across the country with AFL football in Ballarat and this agreement will only strengthen our reputation as the sporting capital of regional Victoria.”
The Bulldogs will host Port Adelaide (Round 8) and Adelaide (Round 18) at Mars Stadium this year, making it 15 AFL games at the venue since the first match played for premiership points in 2017.
The AFLW Bulldogs have also hosted five games at Mars Stadium across four seasons.