Everton Football Club has announced that the first game at their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will take place on Monday, February 17, 2025. This marks the beginning of a series of test events designed to ensure the stadium meets all safety and licensing requirements ahead of its full opening. The club will host three test events throughout the current season, with the first being a friendly match for the under-18s, expected to attract a crowd of 10,000 spectators. The opponent for this game has yet to be revealed.
The second test event will involve Everton’s under-21s playing in front of a crowd of 25,000. This match is scheduled for either late March or early April, depending on the successful completion of the first test event. The third event will see the stadium filled to close to or full capacity, with around 52,888 spectators expected. At this stage, no competitive matches will be held, as the club focuses on securing the necessary certifications to host larger crowds.
For the first test event, the 10,000 attendees will be accommodated in the South Stand of the stadium, which includes a rail seating area. The second test event will aim to open the entire stadium, though reduced capacities will be applied in each stand. Tickets for the first two events will be priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions, with sales being allocated through a ballot system that opens on Friday.
The Bramley-Moore Dock stadium is a state-of-the-art £800 million development that represents a significant milestone for Everton, marking their long-awaited move to the Liverpool waterfront. The club aims to stage full-capacity games at the stadium starting in August 2025, with the venue set to become a new home for the team, providing modern facilities and a closer connection to the city.
In other news, Everton manager Sean Dyche addressed ongoing speculation regarding striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future. Despite the 27-year-old’s contract expiring at the end of the season, Dyche confirmed that no inquiries had been made for the player during the January transfer window. Reports have linked Calvert-Lewin to Serie A leaders Atalanta, but Dyche downplayed the rumors, stating that no contact had been made by any clubs. Dyche emphasized that such speculation is part of the nature of the transfer window, but he remains focused on the team’s progress.
Additionally, Dyche responded to recent comments made by striker Neal Maupay, who is currently on loan at Marseille. After Everton’s 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Maupay posted a message on social media saying, “Whenever I’m having a bad day, I just check the Everton score and smile.” Dyche appeared unconcerned by the remark, acknowledging that there is a broader context to the club’s situation. He stated that he was not overly concerned with the comments and did not believe any disciplinary action would be necessary. Dyche’s focus remains on the team’s performance and the bigger picture at Everton, rather than individual players’ off-field remarks.
