Western United is back at Mars Stadium in Ballarat for the first time in almost a year as John Aloisi’s men prepare to take on Newcastle Jets on Saturday.
The Green and Black is maintaining its fight for top spot on the A-League Men ladder and is looking to win its fourth match in a row and extend what is at present a seven-match unbeaten run.
Match Details
Western United vs Newcastle Jets
Saturday, 5 March
Kick-off: 3:05pm
Gates open: 2:05pm
Mars Stadium, Ballarat.
Broadcast: The match will be broadcast live on Paramount+
Click here to sign up for Paramount+
Social media: Follow Western United on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and join the conversation by using the hashtags #WUNvsNEW
Ballarat return
Western United can’t wait to be back in Ballarat and playing in front of the loyal, boisterous fans at Mars Stadium once again.
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.
The opportunity for the A-League Men’s top team this season to light up Mars Stadium is one not to be missed.
Western United scarf drop
Western United scarves were scattered throughout the Ballarat city centre and major sites in town on Thursday morning, with special notes and complimentary tickets attached.
A total of 100 scarves were placed in various spots around the city, and fans have been searching for the scarves and decking themselves out in Green and Black all morning.
The Club hopes to see all the scarves on show in the stands on Saturday to paint the stadium in the Western United colours and support the team to another important win.
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 roaming performers right around Mars Stadium, including drummers and hula hoopers.
The first 250 patrons in the ground will win a free Maccas McCafé Coffee voucher and there will be free Big Mac vouchers for everyone in the stadium is Western United gets the win.
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 and Game Day Menu
Western United will be offering a shuttle bus service for fans travelling to the game by V-Line to Ballarat Railway Station.
There will be two shuttle buses operating either side of the match, with the pre-match services departing Ballarat station at 2:00pm and 2:45pm. Post-match buses will leave Mars Stadium at 5:00pm and 5:30pm.
Pick-up at the Ballarat Station will be on Lydiard Street adjacent to the V/Line bus bays. Drop-off and pick-up at Mars Stadium will be at the bus stop located at the front of the stadium.
The North Ballarat Sports Club will also offer a special Game Day Menu at the match which will be available for both Western United members and their own members.
International Women’s Day theme
With this match coming days before International Women’s Day, Western United will show its commitment to recognising the influence of women in football by adding a female theme to the days’ events.
All of the ball kids and the Maccas Half-Time Heroes will be young girls, there will be female guests in the Club’s Chairman’s Club function and many of the female Club staff will be key to putting on the event in a number of different departments.
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 inside Gate 1 & 2.
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.
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.
