Bankwest Stadium gains new naming rights as part of CommBank investment in Western Sydney

The Western Sydney Stadium, for which Bankwest has held the naming rights since its opening in 2019, is to be known as CommBank Stadium from Friday 1st October.

The new naming rights deal comes as part of a major package of support for Western Sydney announced by CommBank to help small business recovery in a region hardest hit by COVID-19 lockdowns.

As part of its expanded commitment, Commonwealth Bank of Australia has today not only announced a multi-year partnership for the Stadium but also unveiled funding to help local small businesses with the opportunity to connect with more customers.

With Bankwest operated as a division of the CommBank, the new multi-year partnership with Venues NSW for the Western Sydney Stadium - home of the Parramatta Eels and Western Sydney Wanderers - extends the original seven-year naming-rights by a further two years.

The announcement, which follow yesterday’s NSW Government announcement of the new WestInvest Fund for Western Sydney, has been welcomed by NSW Minister for Sport, Natalie Ward who advised “the stadium offers a world-class experience and has fast become a fan favourite. It will be fantastic to see supporters back at the newly-named CommBank Stadium, once the health advice says it’s safe to do so.”

Venues NSW Chief Executive, Kerrie Mather said the Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to Western Sydney Stadium is a testament to the success of the venue and a huge vote of confidence in the region, noting “we are delighted that the biggest brand in Australian banking wants to partner with the hugely successful Western Sydney Stadium.

“The newly-named CommBank Stadium is an important community facility that has a significant role to play in NSW’s recovery from the pandemic.”

Daryl Kerry, Chief Executive of venue manager VenuesLive said venue the branding – including the large signage on the outside of the building – would switch over to CommBank Stadium next month as the venue looks to resume hosting events in line with NSW Health advice.

Kerry explained “the Stadium has already welcomed 1.2 million fans through the turnstiles for more than 100 ticketed sports and entertainment events since its opening in April 2019.

There have also been hundreds of diverse business, community and cultural events as the Stadium has become part of the social fabric of Western Sydney.”

CommBank’s investment in Western Sydney complements the bank’s existing partnerships with Football Australia as the official naming rights partner and bank of the national women’s team, the Matildas, Junior Matildas and Young Matildas.

The Western Sydney Stadium partnership and Chamber Alliance program are in addition to other local support measures offered by the bank, which include: Coronavirus support measures, opening 14 dedicated vaccination centres for staff and members of their household across various LGAs of concern and providing small businesses with access to counselling services to help alleviate any mental stress.

For small businesses, CBA is also running a webinar series throughout October, specifically for Western Sydney businesses to help them navigate the flow on impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions. Topics will cover ecommerce strategy, safely receiving payments online, driving sales online and mental health webinars facilitated by Smiling Mind.

Working with the venue, CommBank is also scheduling a business fair early in the New Year to support Western Sydney businesses showcase their products.

Images: The soon to be rebranded CommBank Stadium (top and below) and an artist's impression of how the new CommBank signage will appear on the venue. Credit: Venues NSW/VenuesLive.