Everton has successfully completed its second test event, marking a significant milestone in the club’s journey to its new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.
An Everton U21 team 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.
After the success of the first test event in February welcomed more than 10,000 people to the stadium, this event was the first time that fan engagement activity was held in the expansive plaza.
The city’s newest piece of public realm lays in the shadow of Everton Stadium and played host to live music, entertainment and an expanded range of English, Greek, Indian and Italian street food, as well as soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Working in partnership with Aramark – who are recognised as one of the world’s most leading food service providers – Evertonians were able to sample a test menu, which included salt and pepper chicken, loaded sausage rolls, hotdogs and a club-branded toffee doughnut on the concourses.
A key part of the event was the successful testing of the stadium’s evacuation procedures, with Evertonians playing an important role in ensuring the process ran smoothly as the game came to an end after 65 minutes.
Colin Chong, Everton’s interim chief executive ifficer, 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.”
Further details on a final test event will be provided in the coming months as the club continues to fine-tune operations.
The successful test event keeps Everton on track for the final phases of preparation ahead of the stadium’s official opening in advance of the 2025/26 season.