Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs fans have been left "frustrated" by the lack of communication surrounding the reduction in crowd capacity at Mars Stadium for this weekend's clash.
The rural venue located in Ballarat has quickly become a second home for the Bulldogs, but is currently under construction, which is expected to be finished by the end of 2026. Upgrades to the new precinct will include 5,000 new seats, more amenities and more food and beverage options.
But in the meantime, a large group of fans will be deprived of their opportunity to head to Mars Stadium whilst under redevelopment, with the total capacity slashed by 50 per cent, with only 5,042 seats remaining in place for football fans.
AFL Fans Association Vice President Justin Leckie said he fielded many fan complaints as to why the match was still being held at the ground, and why the ticketing for the contest was released (April 16) so close to the match.
"We did have fans ask why the game was still being played at Mars Stadium," Leckie told Zero Hanger.
"Specifically, why the ticketing came out so late in the process. A lot of people couldn't plan their trip to Ballarat.
"The response from the Bulldogs was that they have a commitment to the Ballarat region. They've been investing there for 10 years.
"It was one of their top three postcodes, so I'm assuming that's where their members are based... notwithstanding the redevelopment, they thought it would be appropriate to continue with the game in Ballarat.
"Obviously, it affected the number of people who could get tickets, especially the away team."
As a result of the reduced capacity, Port Adelaide was offered a measly 593 members' tickets, which, adding to the frustration, was handed to Victorian members of the Alberton club first, before a waitlist for SA-based members followed.
It is understood Power fans are fuming at the outcome and lack of communication, with an organised group of supporters named The Alberton Crowd Facebook group of about 60, cancelling its annual "Tour of Duty" road trip because of a lack of tickets.
Leckie also explained that regardless of the stadium's crowd capacity, Port Adelaide would only be provided with a small number of members' tickets.
The Bulldogs explained their ticket allocations, noting that reserved seat members have been offered roughly 1,800 seats.
Saturday's clash between the two sides will be the first at Mars Stadium since 2018, and the third overall, with contests usually played at Marvel Stadium or Adelaide Oval.
The Crows play the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat in Round 18. Dates and times for that match are yet to be released.
"I have noticed some comments on our latest social media post," Leckie said.
"Adelaide people have tagged one of their friends, saying, 'hey, we better monitor this or keep on top of this when the match comes up'.
"No doubt, there'll be a similar disappointment from Crow supporters who can't attend the match or miss out on the opportunity of going."
Late last year, the Western Bulldogs extended their partnership with the City of Ballarat, meaning red, white and blue fans will get the chance to see them at Mars Stadium until 2027.
The partnership will also include one AFLW game.
