Ballarat may miss out on regular-season AFL games in 2026, but footy fans won’t be left empty-handed, with Mars Stadium set to host a massive triple-header as part of the AAMI Community Series.
The AFL confirmed this week that Ballarat will welcome three blockbuster pre-season matches across one weekend in late February, keeping elite football in the city during the stadium’s ongoing redevelopment.
Melbourne will face Richmond on Friday, 27 February, followed by St Kilda vs. Essendon on Saturday and North Melbourne vs. Collingwood on Sunday.
The triple-header represents one-third of the national pre-season fixture and is the only venue to host multiple matches, underlining Ballarat’s importance in the AFL landscape despite the Western Bulldogs relocating their 2026 home games to Marvel Stadium.
AFL Head of Strategy and Scheduling Josh Bowler said Ballarat fans still have plenty to look forward to.
“We’re especially excited to host three of the nine games in Ballarat, giving local fans the chance to enjoy elite football in their backyard,” he said.
Ballarat AAMI Community Series fixture:
Friday, 27 February – Melbourne vs. Richmond
Saturday, 28 February – St Kilda vs. Essendon
Sunday, 1 March – North Melbourne vs. Collingwood
The games will follow full AFL rules with no interchange cap and 30-player squads, offering a genuine preview of the 2026 season. All matches will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo, and ticket sales open in February, with free entry for club and AFL members and kids.
While the Bulldogs won’t return for AFL premiership matches until 2027, the February triple-header ensures Ballarat will remain part of the footy calendar during the rebuild.
