The countdown to the first game for premiership points in Ballarat is officially on with the unveiling of the new 50-square-metre scoreboard on Monday morning at Eureka Stadium.

The Bulldogs will face Port Adelaide in just over two months’ time at the redeveloped precinct, with just the final fit-outs, including asphalting and coaches boxes, to be completed before the first bounce on August 19.

Speaking to the Ballarat Courier, Western Bulldogs CEO Gary Kent said that Ballarat experience will be great for both players and fans.

“It’ll be great for spectators. I think Ballarat Bulldogs’ fans and generally anyone who sits in that stand is going to love it,” Kent said of the 5000 new undercover seats also in place.

“…Hopefully we can build that (home ground) advantage and the boys will love playing here.”

But the ground will be for more than football, with the Bulldogs bringing its Sons of the West men’s health program and Youth Leadership Project to the region, while also expanding the Club’s literacy program.

Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh told the Courier that the community as whole would benefit from the new stadium, and not just sports fans.

“You can’t have a beautiful lush oval like this without the whole community to embrace it and the minute you see people doing that you know you’re actually delivering back,” Cr McIntosh said.

Ballarat membership and tourism packages are available now.