Western United will take to the pitch at Mars Stadium once again as John Aloisi’s men prepare to face Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.
The Green and Black is maintaining its fight for top spot on the A-League Men ladder and is looking for another big win on the road to the end of the season.
Match Details
Western United vs Newcastle Jets
Saturday, 2 April
Kick-off: 2:05pm
Gates open: 1:00pm
Mars Stadium, Ballarat.
Broadcast: The match will be broadcast live on Paramount+
Click hereto sign up for Paramount+
Social media: Follow Western United on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and join the conversation by using the hashtags #WUNvsCCM
Nikolai Topor-Stanley’s milestone moment
Not only will this match be special for the action on the pitch, but this will also be an historic day in Australian football as Nikolai Topor-Stanley will write his name into the history books.
The Western United central defender will play his 359th A-League Men match, taking him clear of Andrew Durante as the all-time record holder for A-Leagues appearances.
There will be a special presentation after the match and Topor-Stanley will be supported by his family and teammates to mark the special occasion, one that he will hope will be made all the more sweeter with three points at the end.
Western United looking for a second win at Mars Stadium
Western United can’t wait to be back in Ballarat and playing in front of the loyal, boisterous fans at Mars Stadium for the second time this season.
Since season one, Ballarat has been a major part of the Western United family and the supporters in the region have always turned up in good voice for the team.
United picked up an important win in an entertaining game against Newcastle Jets in March and will be out for a similar result to continue the momentum in the back end of the season.
Show Your Colours promotion
Western United is calling on students aged 18 and younger to wear the colours of their school, club or academy team to be in with a chance of winning a $2,500 for their nominated organisation, as well as a signed Western United jersey for themselves.
Entrants must fill out the online form to enter and need to attend the game, wearing either the colours of their club, academy or school or as much Green and Black as they can to cheer on Western United.
Full terms and conditions apply.
Special matchday activities
As well as 90 minutes of elite A-League Men’s football, there will be a host of fun and exciting activities happening throughout the course of the day in Ballarat.
Pre-match there will be face painting and Western United merchandise outside Gate 1 as well as tall footballers and balloon twisters to engage the whole family outside the ground.
The first 200 patrons in the ground will win a free Maccas McCafé Coffee voucher and everyone in attendance can redeem a free Big Mac at any local McDonald’s in Ballarat if Western United wins or draws.
New Ballarat Partner Haymes Paint will team up with 61 Design for an extra special Kick for Cash competition. Haymes will add a $1,000 voucher to the major prize and there will be a $200 voucher available to one lucky fan in the consolation prize.
Shuttle Bus service for travelling fans
Western United will be offering a shuttle bus service for fans travelling to the game by V-Line to Ballarat Railway Station.
However, fans travelling from Melbourne should note that rail works will mean buses will replace trains from Southern Cross station to Melton station, and vice versa on the way home.
There will be two shuttle buses operating either side of the match, with the pre-match services departing Ballarat station at 1:00pm and 1:50pm. Post-match buses will leave Mars Stadium at 4:00pm and 4:30pm.
Kids Go Free!
Western United is excited to welcome kids to every single home game for free this season. Young people have been challenged by the pandemic, particularly in football, and the Club is proud to encourage the future fans of the Green and Black to bring their families to the stadium.
Kids under 12 will go free, while family tickets are available for only the price of two adult tickets throughout the campaign.
Active Support
The Western Service Crew will be back in full voice to show their support for the team, taking up a spot in the stand at Mars Stadium.
After a long wait, active support is back and fans will be able to stand, chant, wave flags and bang the drum. However, the Club kindly asks that fans remain in front of their own allocated seat at all times when viewing the match.
Tickets
All tickets to the match on Saturday can be pre-purchased here.
All ticketholders are encouraged to arrive at the match early for ease of admission through security checks. Patrons can only enter through the gate stated on their ticket.
Member redemption
All members are advised that membership cards do not give access to the venue. All members must redeem their tickets prior to the match in order to be admitted into the venue.
Memberships are the best way to guarantee a seat as a matter of priority in the face of stadium restrictions. Become a member and join the journey today.
Members unsure how to redeem their tickets can watch the tutorial video here.
Paramount+
The match will be broadcast live and exclusive on Paramount+, the new home of Australian football.
Members who renew or purchase into a full-season or seven-game membership* in the 2021/22 season will have a 12-month subscription to Paramount + included as a member benefit.
This represents an additional $89.99 in value provided at no extra cost.
Merchandise
As mentioned above, Western United merchandise will be available to purchase from outside Gate 1.
Members are encouraged to bring their merchandise vouchers and to stock up on Green and Black supporter wear to show their colours and paint the stands in United colours to spur the team on.
Parking
There will be access to parking around Mars Stadium at a number of different venues. C.E. Brown Reserve and surrounding ovals will provide spots to park with access from Dowling Stree, as well as limited places at the Ballarat Showgrounds.
Patrons can also park at the North Ballarat Sports Club via Creswick Road with further options on Norman Street.
Public Transport
Public transport is available to take patrons to Mars Stadium for the game.
Plan your journey from Metro Melbourne here.
If you’re coming from Regional Victoria, plan your journey here.
All travelling fans are again advised of the rail works between Southern Cross and Melton. Trains are operating as normal between Melton and Ballarat.
COVID-safe Information
Patrons under the age of 18 will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination to enter the arena. However, anyone over 18 wishing to attend the match will need to present their COVID vaccination certificate at the gate to be granted entry.
Social distancing is required wherever possible, and there are only three reasons to leave your designated seat – to collect food and beverages, going to the toilet or seeking assistance, and to exit the stadium.
