The GIANTS and the Gold Coast SUNS will head to regional Victoria in Round 17, playing at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Sunday, July 11.
The AFL has today finalised the fixture for the coming weekend with the venue of the Round 18 Sydney Derby still to be confirmed as the club continues to work through a range of scenarios.
The Round 17 game against the SUNS was originally scheduled to be played at GIANTS Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park, however this won’t be possible due to the COVID related restrictions currently in place across Greater Sydney.
It’ll be the first time the GIANTS have played at the venue and just the second match played in Ballarat this season.
The game will commence at 12.40pm.
Mars Stadium, formerly Eureka Stadium, was redeveloped in 2016 and holds 11,000 people.
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews said: “We’re delighted to be taking an AFL game to a regional part of Australia that rarely gets to host this kind of event.
“This arrangement will see both teams remain in Victoria having played in Melbourne during Round 16 and minimise travel during the current spike in COVID cases across the country.
“On behalf of the GIANTS and SUNS, I’d like to thank the AFL and the Ballarat community for being so accommodating during this unique period and I know both clubs are looking forward to putting on a great game for the people of the local region.”
Matthews said the club looked at a number of alternatives when GIANTS Stadium wasn’t going to be available.
“The GIANTS explored a range of options regarding this game and this included the possibility of it being played at Manuka Oval in Canberra,” said Matthews.
“We’ve worked closely with the ACT Government and been in regular contact in regards to what opportunities there are to play extra home games in Canberra this year.
“With the current restrictions in place and the uncertainty regarding the evolving COVID situation, it was agreed that regional Victoria was the most suitable venue for this particular match.
“The ACT continues to be a very important region for the GIANTS and we’ll continue to work closely with the ACT Government regarding the rest of the 2021 season.
“With Round 18 quickly approaching, we are hopeful of still playing the Sydney Derby in front of our members and fans at GIANTS Stadium.
“The Sydney Derby has quickly become one of the premium entertainment events in Sydney and with the current ladder positions of both clubs, it will play a big part in finalising the make-up of the top eight.
“I’d like to thank our members, fans, partners and everyone connected to the club for their patience and continued support as we work through a number of contingencies to get the best outcome for all involved during this challenging period.”
The GIANTS match against the Gold Coast SUNS will be shown nationally via Foxtel and KAYO and will also be available within NSW and the ACT via the Seven Network on Sunday from 12.30pm.
