Western United reveal Ballarat tenure might be at an end

Western United will play its fourth game of the season in Ballarat this weekend but beyond then the potential for future fixtures remains unclear. Here is what we know.

Western United might be about to play its final match in Ballarat. Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Ballarat could be set to lose another major sporting event with Western United’s future in the region unclear.

On Saturday the A-League men’s team will take on Perth at Mars Stadium in the club’s fourth game in town this season.

The team has faced Adelaide United, Newcastle and Wellington Phoenix this season for three losses this campaign.

Western United has now revealed the match against the Glory could be its last in the region with a move to their new ground at Tarneit nearing completion.

The club’s first match will be on March 17 with the Western United women’s team playing.

Western United women’s team celebrate a goal this season. The team is likely to play the first ever game at Tarneit. Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images

It’s then expected Western United’s NPL side and A-League men’s team will play there later in the season.

While the move to Tarneit and the Wyndham Regional Football Facility was expected to take some matches away from Ballarat and Mars Stadium, it was not expected to completely end the club and the cities affiliation.

But now it might be the case.

If Western United leaves it will be the third major sporting event to leave the region after Ballarat lost hosting rights to the 2026 Commonwealth Games last year and this year lost the Road Nationals after 21 years as host.

Next year, the Road Nationals will be held in Perth as part of a three-year-deal.

This masthead has contacted the Ballarat City Council and Western United for more information.

The contract between the two to use Mars Stadium as an A-League venue ends this season.

If this is the last season it will end a five season association for the club in Ballarat.

All up, 13 matches have been played to date, with Western United winning three, drawing twice and losing eight times.

Western United captain Josh Risdon said it would be sad to leave if it happened but thanked the Ballarat community for their support.

“It’s been great going to Ballarat since the first season,” he said.

“Everyone has come out and shown their support.

“Thank you for the support over the last five seasons.

“It has been great coming out there.

“If it is the last time we’re out there hopefully everyone can come down and see it off with a win.”