Liverpool chief reacts to new Everton stadium as commercial battle mooted
Everton completing work on their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock won’t result in a commercial battle with Liverpool, Reds CEO Billy Hogan has said.
Speaking to The Athletic on 29 July, Hogan was asked if the Toffees’ new home will see competition with Anfield, the city’s largest stadium, “crank up” for hosting non-football events.
The Blues’ new home on the city’s waterfront is set to be a ‘365 destination’, allowing the club to host concerts and other sporting events [Insider Media, 3 July], similar to the likes of Anfield in recent years.
However, Hogan said: “Take a look at New York, London, Boston — there are multiple venues where big acts come through on a regular basis. The thing that we contend with is a relatively short window of time where we can host events. It has to be in the close season, leaving sufficient time for the pitch to be relaid for the upcoming season.
“I don’t see another venue close by being a big issue – there are a lot of different acts that will be touring in the years ahead.”
Everton Stadium could make Toffees a commercial powerhouse
Given the financial situation at Goodison Park has been a precarious one going back several seasons now, having a new home that will generate commercial revenue is a welcome opportunity for the club.
Fans and players alike will be sorry to leave their home of 133 years next summer, but the Toffees’ new site on Bramley-Moore Dock could have a transformational effect on the entire club.
Matchday revenue alone could jump by £40million within just two seasons at the new stadium compared to Goodison [Kieran Maguire, 8 July], while making the venue a ‘365 destination’ could prove even more lucrative.
While Toffees fans would much prefer going toe-to-toe with Liverpool on the pitch, their home ground beating Anfield to a must-see event or concert will provide further satisfaction in the boardroom.
Set to move into their new home and reap the benefits from the start of the 2025-26 campaign, the onus is now on the Blues to ensure they stay in the Premier League this season – to ensure that the 52,888-capacity stadium doesn’t become a white elephant in the EFL.
In other Everton news, Sean Dyche could have a new option to call upon as captain after his decision in a pre-season friendly.
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