Netflix Set to Release Groundbreaking Documentary on Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium: “Heart of the West”
PARRAMATTA, NSW — May 17, 2025
Netflix is preparing to launch a breathtaking new documentary titled “Heart of the West”, promising to take viewers deep inside the architectural marvel and cultural soul that is CommBank Stadium — home of the Parramatta Eels and a symbol of Western Sydney’s sporting heart.
Slated for global release this August, the documentary is already generating buzz among sports lovers, architectural enthusiasts, and Netflix subscribers alike. The streaming giant describes the project as “a sweeping visual journey into one of Australia’s most iconic modern stadiums — not just a sports venue, but a beating heart of community, design, and identity.”
A Stadium Like No Other
Located on the former site of Parramatta Stadium, CommBank Stadium rose from the ashes of history in 2019 as a bold new symbol of Western Sydney’s rising status. With a 30,000-seat capacity, cutting-edge design, and immersive atmosphere, it is widely regarded as one of the finest rectangular stadiums in the Southern Hemisphere.
“Heart of the West” showcases the stadium in all its glory, blending cinematic drone shots with slow-motion crowd footage and exclusive behind-the-scenes access. The lush green pitch, the steep grandstands that bring fans closer to the action, and the sweeping curves of its roof — designed to amplify crowd noise — are all captured in stunning 4K.
Narrated by acclaimed Australian actor Hugo Weaving, the documentary interweaves personal stories from players, fans, and architects, all of whom speak with reverence about the stadium’s role as a cultural landmark.
More Than Bricks and Steel
“This isn’t just about concrete and steel,” says executive producer Jessica Harper, known for her work on Netflix’s The Playbook and Formula 1: Drive to Survive. “CommBank Stadium represents a powerful transformation of community pride, Western Sydney’s evolving identity, and how sport can bind generations together. It’s a living monument.”
The film explores the stadium’s multi-purpose functionality — from hosting rugby league and soccer to concerts and Indigenous cultural events — highlighting its impact on the local economy and youth engagement.
Viewers are also treated to rarely-seen archival footage of the original Cumberland Oval and the now-demolished Parramatta Stadium, offering a touching retrospective of where the venue began and what it has become.
Anticipation Builds
The Parramatta Eels have publicly supported the film, with club legend Nathan Hindmarsh calling the stadium “the best home ground in the world.” Fans can expect exclusive interviews with past and present players, including fly-on-the-wall access during game day preparations and the raucous crowd moments that make CommBank a fortress.
Netflix is betting big on this Australian-made production to resonate with an international audience.
“We believe the story of CommBank Stadium will resonate far beyond rugby league,” says Netflix Australia’s director of content, Claire Donovan. “It’s about belonging, beauty, and building something bigger than yourself.”
“Heart of the West” premieres globally on August 16, only on Netflix.
