Everton will run their first event at their new stadium on February 17. The test event at Bramley Moore Dock will see the club’s Under-18s side in action in a friendly against a yet to be confirmed opponent. Up to 10,000 supporters will be allowed to be in attendance as the club looks to secure the necessary licences for the stadium from Liverpool City Council.
There will then be a second test event at a capacity of 25,000 in March or April involving the U21s before a third one at close to full capacity - 52,888 - later in the year. Everton plan to start their 2025-26 season at their new ground as they now have the keys to the stadium and are finalising works.
Tickets for the first two events will be decided by a ballot which opens on Friday January 3 and runs until January 10. Supporters for the first event will be in the new South Stand only while the second event will see the whole stadium open - within the 25,000 capacity.
One man who is keen to finally make the move is England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. After the Toffees' takeover by the Friedkin Group was finally ratified, he was left optimistic that Everton would not be settling into their new home as a Championship club.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's clash with Bournemouth, he said: "Having been able to see it for myself, I think the new stadium is going to be amazing. I know a lot of Evertonians who are passionate about the history of the club and how much Goodison has been part of that but this is a new chapter.
