Western United is returning to Ballarat this Saturday for a huge clash against Sydney FC.
United return to Mars Stadium for the first time since March, and here are 10 reasons why the club is looking forward to coming back!
A big win earlier in the season
In late-February, United welcomed Macarthur FC to Ballarat and secured their first win at Mars Stadium, coasting to a 4-1 victory.
The game featured a maiden United goal for Spaniard Iker Guarrotxena and a pair of strikes from Besart Berisha.
United will be looking for its second win at the stadium in this clash and will hope to bring similar goalscoring form to what they showed against the Bulls.
😲 That curve from @iguarrotxena, before @BesartBerisha7 scores his second. #WUNvMAC #RiseUp #WUFC pic.twitter.com/EVk2W7emRe
— Western United FC (@wufcofficial) February 20, 2021
Fan shuttle bus
As has been done in the past, the club will be providing buses to and from the match to ensure the fans have the best experience possible.
This is an opportunity to mingle with other Western United fans, get the songs ready for the match and save the difficulty of making your own way to the game.
Click here to book your spot on the bus.
Ballarat connection to the squad
Ballarat has an excellent pool of football talent, and the connection between the city and Western United has flowed through to the youth setup.
Ahead of the inaugural NPL season, the club signed three young talents from Ballarat City in Alex Baker, Leighton Lauton and Jalil Regague.
The club has committed its youth system to finding the best young players in Melbourne’s west, and that connection is sure to continue into the future.
Botanical gardens experience
Fans can take in the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens prior to the match, less than a 10-minute drive away from the stadium.
Families and friends can join together for a picnic before kick-off, bring a ball to have a kick in the park or appreciate some stunning sculptures, including at Prime Ministers Avenue.
Brand new terrace
A brand new terrace at Mars Stadium makes it an even better footballing experience with a new vantage point from which to see the match.
Concrete terracing has been constructed over part of the grass area on the eastern wing of the stadium, giving fans the opportunity to get close to the action and still see across the pitch.
Excellent fan support
The club has seen fantastic support in Ballarat since the first game played there way back in December 2019.
Crowd numbers have peaked at over 5,000 when playing at Mars Stadium and the reception from the passionate fans in the west has been fantastic at each match.
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A celebration of the west
Western United has always vowed to represent the western suburbs of Victoria since entering the A-League, and playing in Ballarat provides the perfect opportunity to do so.
The culture and support of the west is what makes this club what it is, and the chance to bring football to Ballarat for one last match this season is very exciting.
A nice day trip away
As well as catering to fans already in the west, this fixture gives our metropolitan supporters the chance to experience the western suburbs.
With the game kicking off at 2:35pm, fans can make their way into Ballarat early and experience the scenery and history of one of Victoria’s most important towns.
Plenty of places to eat and drink
Fans can start and end their trip at the Sporting Globe Bar & Grill with a buy one, get one free offer on Furphy pots, pints and schooners in two hours prior to (12:30-2:30pm) and after (5-7pm) the match.
After the match will be the perfect time to grab something to eat and have a drink, and Ballarat offers plenty of fantastic options.
Forge Pizzeria is a local favourite offering delicious pizza and pasta dishes as well as great tasting wine and a bubbling atmosphere.
There is also Mitchell Harris Wine Bar, a hugely popular destination with snacks and an extensive list of wine on offer to keep families and friends engaged through the night.
$10 tickets
And perhaps the best reason of all, fans can attend the match for just $10 a ticket, with family packages of two adults and two kids for only $20.
Cut-priced tickets to watch a crucial game in the race for finals while experiencing everything the western suburbs have to offer is just why we love Ballarat!
Click here to get your tickets.
