Ballarat is set to shine on the world sporting stage in 2026, with the city being confirmed as one of the four regional hubs to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The announcement by the Commonwealth Games Federation comes after a period of exclusive dialogue, with Commonwealth Games Australia and the Victorian Government last month submitting a delivery concept for consideration.

Victoria 2026 will be held across multiple regions, creating a new multi-city model for the Commonwealth Games.

Ballarat will host an athletes’ village with capacity for 1750 people. Alongside Ballarat, three additional regional hubs will be based in Geelong, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley, each with their own athletes’ village.

Ballarat is set to host a packed sports program as a regional hub, including athletics, boxing and cricket (T20).

The wider area around Ballarat will also enjoy the Queen’s Baton Relay, warm-up tournaments, live sites activations as well as an extensive cultural program boosting communities across the region.

As a regional hub for Victoria 2026, Ballarat will benefit from major infrastructure investment, with high quality community infrastructure providing a lasting legacy beyond the Games.

This will include housing and world-class sports facilities across Ballarat, leaving a legacy of affordable housing for the region and state-of-the art sports infrastructure to attract future major events.

It is estimated that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will contribute more than $3 billion to the state’s economy, creating almost 600 full-time equivalent jobs before the Games, 3,900 during the Games and a further 3,000 beyond the Closing Ceremony.

For more information, and to express interest in being involved, visit vic.gov.au/victoria2026.

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford

“From rowing in 1956, basketball in 2006 and the RoadNats to being named a Commonwealth Games hub in 2026! Ballarat is taking its place on the world sport and events stage and I couldn’t be more excited.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Our region is excited to welcome the Commonwealth and the world to Ballarat as a chosen regional hub for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“It’s such a proud and historic moment for Ballarat to be chosen as a regional hub for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”