Everton hail stadium test 'resounding success'

Everton's completed its second test event, marking a significant milestone in the Club’s journey to its new stadium.

Everton Under-21s beat Bolton Wanderers B 1-0 at Sunday’s event, which was designed to assess various operational aspects of the stadium and saw more than 25,000 fans experience the matchday facilities, ticketing, stewarding, and service operations.

A key part of it was to try out evacuation procedures, with Evertonians playing an important role in ensuring the process ran smoothly.

Colin Chong, Everton’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, said: “This was a hugely important step in our transition to Everton Stadium, and we are delighted with how the stadium and our protocols handled the increase in capacity. Following the first test event we received a lot of positive feedback on the matchday experience elements and the food offer, while we also took on board some learnings from an operational perspective. We will continue to engage with local authorities, city stakeholders and fan groups about the long-term travel plan, through the Transport Working Group.”

He added: “Today we’ve been able to continue testing key operational areas that will be a crucial step as we aim to deliver a world-class matchday experience.

“I’d like to thank everyone who played a part in making this test event a resounding success; our under-21s players and staff, Bolton Wanderers for taking part in this historic friendly, the local and licencing authorities, Club staff, contractors, and of course, the Evertonians who attended. A special thanks to all those who took part in the evacuation exercise, as these tests will be vital in ensuring the safety and comfort of all supporters on matchdays. The cooperation and enthusiasm from supporters has been invaluable as we prepare to move into what will be a truly iconic home for our Club.”

Following the first test event, concerns were raised by fans surrounding transport links around the new stadium, particularly overcrowding at Sandhills station where trains were running every 30 minutes.

Following the second test event, Merseyrail’s Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Dodd said:

“We are pleased with how well this test event went, with thousands of customers travelling smoothly and safely via Sandhills station – thank you for following travel advice and for your patience.

“The feedback from this and the previous test event are invaluable as we continue to refine our matchday transport plans, ahead of the stadium’s official opening at the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season. These test events allow us to further improve the overall travel experience for fans.”

Extra services and 8-car trains will once again be in operation for the final test event in the summer. Merseyrail have also confirmed that they will be reviewing plans for additional services on the Hunts Cross line, given the demand during the most recent test event.

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