The AFL has decided to move the Western Bulldogs' Round 18 home game in Ballarat to Marvel Stadium as Mars Stadium continues to deal with limited attendance due to ongoing construction works.
The Dogs were set to host Adelaide at the regional venue later this year, which would be their second and final match at Mars Stadium for the year.
The Bulldogs hosted Port Adelaide in Victoria's central-west in Round 8, with just 4,814 fans in attendance.
Given the limitations surrounding the permitted crowd, the AFL has decided to move the Round 18 match between the Dogs and Crows to Marvel Stadium.
“With capacity at Mars Stadium currently limited, we have worked with the Western Bulldogs and Visit Victoria to relocate the match previously scheduled there against the Adelaide Crows in Round 18 and give more members and supporters the opportunity to attend the match at the larger venue of Marvel Stadium,” AFL shedudling strategist Josh Bowler said.
The AFL is yet to confirm all dates and times for Rounds 16 onwards, however the league has revealed the match between the the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide will be played on July 12 at 1:20pm local time.
The league has also given Western Bulldogs members with Ballarat access the ability to use their membership to enter Marvel Stadium for the Crows clash.
An additional Mars Stadium match will be scheduled once the redevelopment has been completed.
“While it has been a difficult decision to shift venues for our Round 18 clash against the Adelaide Crows in Ballarat, all parties including the AFL, State Government and Club partners have worked collaboratively to arrive at this outcome,” Dogs CEO Ameet Bains said.
“Importantly, the Club remains extremely excited and committed to the current redevelopment of Mars Stadium, with AFL and AFLW games at Mars Stadium remaining a crucial part of the Club's all-year round presence and involvement in the Ballarat region.
“The Club's regular day-to-day support of the Ballarat region has become a vital cornerstone in all we do, and we look forward to our AFLW home game later this year and future AFL games at Mars Stadium for years to come.
“The Club is incredibly appreciative of the understanding from all members and fans, and looks forward to welcoming the red, white and blue army to another game at Marvel Stadium later this year.”
Details for the rest of the AFL fixture are expected to be released sometime this week.
