However, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews made clear in announcing the bid that this will be a different event, held predominantly in regional areas.
The MCG would not, therefore, be repurposed for athletics as was the case when Melbourne hosted a mini-Olympics style of Commonwealth Games, a format which has now been abandoned, in 2006.
Kerryn McCann enters the MCG in 2006, on her way to victory in the women’s marathon.Credit:Sebastian Costanzo
Andrews did, however, point to the suitability of Mars Stadium as a venue for the athletics.
The Victorian government is also keen to use existing facilities where possible to minimise costs, and concentrate spending on additional supporting infrastructure.
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“Some regional communities are self-starters in terms of they have already got strengths. So whether its netball and basketball in Bendigo, perhaps some of the aquatic stuff down Geelong way and I could mention many others,” Mr Andrews said.
“There are some strengths and there are some first class facilities that are already there. Athletics for instance at the upgraded – but probably need to be further upgraded – Mars Stadium in Ballarat.
“We have made significant investments everywhere from Mars Stadium in Ballarat all the way through to GMHBA stadium in Geelong.”
Mars Stadium has a capacity of 11,000, with plans already announced for further upgrades and improvements for an athletics track.
Ballarat is the home of former Australian Commonwealth Games marathon gold medallist, Steve Moneghetti, who was Australia’s chef de mission at the Delhi, Glasgow and Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
The regional focus means the Games would not impinge on venues during the AFL season, barring the fact the Western Bulldogs presently play two games a season in Ballarat.
Sources said it was unlikely that the Commonwealth Games would seek to go head-to-head with the launch of the AFL season. This year the season starts on March 16.
Given the confidential nature of the negotiations with Commonwealth Games Australia and the Commonwealth Games Federation, and the fact that many details are yet to finalised, the Victorian government has yet to enter officials discussions with AFL on the impact of the Games on the state’s biggest sport.
Ballarat likely to host Commonwealth Games track and field in 2026
Source: Philippines Alive
