Everton will give 10,000 fans the chance to be the first to watch a match in their new stadium next month with a test event scheduled for February 17.
Mail Sport trailed last week how the Toffees were to put on several matches and events at Bramley-Moore Dock, the new 52,888-seater ground, in early 2025 and that will begin with the Everton Under 18s taking part in a friendly.
Around 10,000 will be in situ for that game – the opposition is yet to be decided – with tickets priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions. The second test event will see 25,000 be allowed in for an Under 21s friendly in late March or early April.
Everton are not permitted to play competitive fixtures at the stadium yet. The test events – a third one will likely take place at near-full capacity later in the season – will allow the club to get the required licence and safety certificates.
The Under 18s are managed by former Everton and England left back Leighton Baines, who played 420 Toffees games across 13 seasons. Everton considered having a women’s fixture open the stadium but the schedule made this difficult.
Meanwhile, manager Sean Dyche said the club have had no contact from any club to sign striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin this month, with the Englishman out of contract in the summer and reports in Italy suggesting Atalanta were keen.
Dyche also confirmed midfielders Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner are back working on the grass with the club’s sports science team after a lengthy lay-off. Dwight McNeil is unlikely to be fit for Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth and captain Seamus Coleman will also miss out.
Everton are preparing to move into their new 52,800 home ahead of the start of next season
