Geotechnical testing will begin at Eureka Stadium’s playing field this weekend as the Andrews Labor Government gets the ball rolling on works for the home of athletics at the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Testing will be completed using a hand-held auger that protects the turf and its roots at Eureka Stadium, by an expert team from Victorian-based geotechnical engineering specialists A.S. James.

Testing will also be undertaken at the Ballarat Showgrounds site adjacent to Eureka Stadium, using drilling rigs mounted on a four-wheel drive. Once the soil testing is complete, turf will be returned and boreholes filled back in.

Geotechnical and environmental testing allows for an understanding of the existing site conditions, including soil condition, that will help with planning, engineering and construction works.

Eureka Stadium will undergo an up to $150 million upgrade to prepare it to host Athletics and Para Athletics as part of the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.

A new athletics track will be built at the site and the stadium will be expanded to hold an additional 5,000 permanent seats, with improved accessibility.

These upgrades will mean a bigger and better experience for spectators at Eureka Stadium in the years to come, ensuring Ballarat continues to attract major sporting and live music events.

For the Commonwealth Games, additional temporary seats will be installed as will a competition standard track on the existing playing field.

It is estimated the 2026 Commonwealth Games will create more than 600 full-time equivalent jobs before they start, 3,900 jobs during the Games and a further 3,000 jobs after the Closing Ceremony and is expected to contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy.

Quote attributable to Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery Jacinta Allan

“We’re getting on with upgrades to Eureka Stadium with geotechnical testing giving us a better understanding of the site, before works start later this year.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“This geotechnical testing will support our investment in Eureka Stadium, ensuring it will be a world-class venue for Victoria 2026 and for decades to come.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“I can’t wait to watch some of the Commonwealth’s best athletes compete in Ballarat during Victoria 2026 – alongside thousands of spectators and millions of viewers worldwide.”