Metropolitan clubs are becoming more interested in travelling to the city for tournaments, Warrnambool District Hockey Association spokesman Tomas Tait revealed yesterday.

He said the installation of astroturf at the association's Albert Park base four years ago proved a prudent investment and hinted Warrnambool may soon host a state league game.

"Everyone wants to play on the turf," Tait said.

"It has encouraged older players to come back and we have had plenty of inquiries from Melbourne about coming to play. There is even talk of a state league game. If that happens it really builds our reputation and makes people take notice of Warrnambool."

The synthetic turf is set to get a workout this weekend. The association will be busy from 8.30am Saturday to 6pm Sunday, holding men and women's competitions for the South West Games.

More than 200 players from as far as Melbourne, Geelong, Portland, Hamilton and Mount Gambier are set to take to the field.

"On Saturday we will play through to 9pm," Tait said.

"We could have made it a bit shorter but that would have meant playing on grass."

The association held junior competitions last week as part of the South West Games. Tait said the games were tough as the temperature topped 30 degrees.

This weekend is tipped to be another scorcher. Tait said regular breaks were planned and a wading pool may be on the sidelines for players to cool off.

"It's going to be a hot one and out on the turf it's normally 10-15 degrees hotter (than the atmospheric temperature)."

A total of 18 teams will play in the weekend's competition.