VENUES | STAFF REPORTERS
WE’VE got used to seeing the Bankwest Stadium sign on O’Connell Street in Parramatta, but the west’s iconic stadium will have a name change from October 1.
Bankwest will transfer naming rights of Western Sydney Stadium to the Commonwealth Bank as the nation’s largest bank commits to supporting business on the recovery side of the pandemic and aims to revitalise its brand in Greater Sydney.
CommBank has announced a multi-year partnership with Venues NSW for the naming-rights of the stadium that has become part of the social fabric of Western Sydney.
Bankwest Stadium will officially become known as CommBank Stadium from Friday, October 1. Bankwest is part of the CBA Group.
Working with the Stadium, CBA is also scheduling a business fair at CommBank Stadium early in the New Year to support Western Sydney businesses showcase their products.
CommBank has also announced a $120,000 investment to help small businesses in the 12 Western Sydney Local Government Areas that have been subject to the harder lockdown restrictions.
CommBank is working with Chamber Alliance of Western Sydney to help small business in these LGAs to market their activities as the region comes out of lock down in the lead-up to Christmas.
Commonwealth Bank CEO, Matt Comyn, said: “Western Sydney is one of fastest growing regions in the country, and a key engine room for the national economy. We know the area has been hit hard by the recent COVID-19 restrictions and we’re committed to investing in Western Sydney to help businesses get back on their feet and re-build after an incredibly challenging 2021.
“We are committed to their long-term success and we want to re-connect small businesses with their communities, because these businesses are the lifeline of our economy.
“We’re also excited to continue backing the stadium within the CBA Group – it has been a valuable facility in providing economic opportunities to the area and will continue to be an important part of the community, particularly through recovery as the local areas and New South Wales starts to reopen.”
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “Western Sydney businesses and communities are resilient and we will re-build to be stronger, but it will take the support of many and it’s encouraging to see CommBank committed to supporting small businesses and Greater Western Sydney.”
The announcement follows this week’s NSW Government announcement of the new WestInvest Fund for Western Sydney.
Venues NSW CEO 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.
“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,” Ms Mather said.
Stadium CEO Daryl Kerry said venue branding – including the large signage on the outside of the building – would switch over to CommBank Stadium next month as the stadium looks to resume hosting events in line with NSW Health advice.
“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.
“As the NSW Government continues to manage the public health challenges of the pandemic, we are hopeful it won’t be long before the Stadium is back doing what it does best: hosting events and delivering an unparalleled event experience for the fans, while ensuring the community remains safe at all times.”
Images: Iconic Western Sydney Stadium to be rebranded CommBank Stadium.
