Interim CEO Colin Chong praised supporters for playing their part as a controlled evacuation ended the U21s’ match with Bolton Wanderers B
Everton believe the second test event at the club’s new stadium was a success.
The state-of-the-art venue hosted 25,000 supporters for a friendly between the Blues’ Under-21s and Bolton Wanderers B, Kingsford Boakye nodding in the only goal to give Everton the lead.
The ground was then evacuated – an exercise required as part of efforts to achieve safety sign-off and which spectators were warned about in advance.
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Speaking after the event, another milestone in the journey towards the historic transition from Goodison Park to the Liverpool waterfront, Colin Chong hailed it as a “resounding success”.
The interim CEO, who will move back to stadium-related duties in the summer, 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.”
The Bolton match followed the first test event last month, which saw 10,000 fans watch the club’s Under-18s take on Wigan Athletic’s U18s. A third event is anticipated over the coming months as the club seeks to prove it can safely host Premier League matches at the 52,888 capacity venue.
While concerns remain about the wider transport network around matchdays, the club was happy with how the event unfolded at the stadium.
Chong said: “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 licensing 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.”
