Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock welcomed 10,000 fans for a test event featuring an under-18 friendly match against Wigan Athletic as the Premier League club prepare to say goodbye to Goodison Park at the end of this season.
Construction of the new 52,888-seater arena took four years and cost close to £800 million ($1.01 billion), according to British media reports, and is also set to host matches at Euro 2028.
“Whoever’s designed it has done a fantastic job because the stands are on top of you,” Everton U18 coach Keith Southern told Everton TV.
“When this is full next season, it’s going to be a hell of a place to play.”
Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer became the first to score at the Everton Stadium in the 12th minute. Everton lost 2-1 with Ray Robert scoring for the hosts.
Goodison Park, Everton’s home since 1892, hosted its final Merseyside derby last week Wednesday as David Moyes’s side held Premier League leaders Liverpool to a 2-2 draw.
The stadium’s last competitive game will take place on May 18 when Everton host Southampton.
The stadium will then be demolished with the land set to be redeveloped into a mixed-use scheme with housing and offices.
