New Everton Stadium images offer tantalising glimpse of venue that will transform LiverpoolNew pictures, shared with the ECHO, provide another look inside Everton's landmark waterfront new stadium - the opening of which is set to be one of the highlights of 2025 for the regionThe 'Long Bar' in the South Stand at Everton's new stadiumThe opening of Everton’s landmark new stadium is set to be a highlight of 2025 and an historic moment for the city of Liverpool. Having risen from the banks of the Mersey, the state-of-the art venue has already transformed one of the world’s most famous skylines.The project, one of the most important developments in the country, will be a catalyst for regeneration that will change lives and livelihoods. The hope is that it will lead to a brighter future for Everton FC too.There is excitement and expectation around the club as preparations ramp up for the move. The Blues will spend the first half of this year completing an emotional goodbye to the iconic Goodison Park before starting next season in their stunning new home.Everton hopeful of major injury return as four players make progress READ MORE:Before then, anticipation will grow as supporters begin the process of securing their season tickets and some are given an early taste of the future with the first test events set to be held in the coming months.“It’s amazing, it’s absolutely amazing”, Blues goalkeeper Asmir Begovic purred on Sky Sports during the festive schedule, “I think everyone around the club couldn’t be more excited to get in there next season.”The process that will dominate the coming months will be the ‘fit out’ as Everton turn their new ground into their new home. As shown in new images shared with the ECHO today, an exciting matchday experience awaits.That is reflected in the work already underway, with photos showcasing the ‘Long Bar’ in the South Stand, which will have stunning panoramic views, the new fan plaza - an events space where supporters will gather in their thousands - and the internal and external entrances in the western stand.Inside the premium entrances in the West Stand at the new Everton Stadium. Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FCDecorative touches that will resonate with supporters are also growing, from the blue brick benches in the plaza to the 731 panels of brickwork that reflect the historic Goodison latticework pioneered by the famous stadium architect, Archibald Leitch.More will come, with the fingerprints of Blues all over the new ground, from the huge numbers of personalised stones ordered by supporters for the Everton Way walkway to the personalised images that will make up the commemorative Fan Wall."It is the fans that make Goodison such an iconic auditorium for football,” Colin Chong told the ECHO. The club’s interim chief executive, who has helped to oversee the stadium project amid the turmoil of recent troubled years, added: “And it will be the fans that elevate the truly beautiful stadium that has risen on the banks of the Mersey into our new fortress, and one of the finest sporting venues on the planet."The aim has always been to deliver on a promise to build something that all Evertonians can be proud of. When you finally walk through the entrances in that boundary wall, I’m sure you will agree it will be that and much, much more."A first look at the players' tunnel at Everton's new stadium. Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FCChong was present as Everton were handed the keys to the site just before Christmas following the end of the three-and-half-year construction phase by Laing O’Rourke. The ceremonial handover was also attended by Marc Watts, the new executive chair at the club, in Liverpool for the completion of the takeover of Everton by The Friedkin Group (TFG).The stadium was one of many attractions that drew the US outfit into investing in the club, ending the era of former majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and the many problems that had engulfed his two-and-a-half-year search for an exit route.The Friedkins see vast opportunity in the stadium and are already working on maximising its potential. One of TFG’s priorities is to seek additional commercial deals and to land what could be a lucrative stadium naming rights package. The group is also looking at the opportunities presented by land around the docklands stadium and are open to further work to develop the area.A glimpse at the area beneath the Western Terrace at Everton's new stadium. Image: Everton FC/Tony McArdleThe extra matchday income generated by the move to the 52,888-capacity stadium will generate tens of millions of pounds more than Goodison, money that will be transformative to a club that has spent recent years in a fight to comply with Premier League spending rules - losing that battle twice and thus incurring the ignominy of two points deductions.But key figures at Everton are keen to emphasise the new ground will be more than a football stadium. Already destined to be a host venue for Euro 2028, the club has attracted interest from a host of other sports about holding international events on the waterfront.The ambition is that it will become a “must-play” venue for global music stars while the venue will offer entertainment all year round - bringing additional revenue to the club and new, consistent footfall that should fuel further regeneration around the site.Decorative blue brick benches in The Plaza at Everton's new stadium. Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FCLooking ahead to the future, Everton’s chief commercial and communications officer Richard Kenyon enthused: “It’s not just a home for Everton Football Club. It’s a cultural asset for the city, all year round."It’s been a long process and it’s taken many decades to find the right site, but the new stadium will provide us with greater opportunities in terms of more season tickets being available, as well as the increased number and variety of premium experiences - our bars, restaurants, and experiences will be some of the best in the city."The non-matchday opportunities with our new stadium are significant, too. It will be a world-class facility with the capability to be a true 365-day a year venue through tours, events, conferences, and concerts.”A general view of progress in the home dressing room at Everton Stadium. Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FCThe numbers surrounding the stadium are already staggering. It is estimated the £750m project will contribute £1.3bn to the UK economy, create more than 15,000 jobs and attract 1.4m visitors to the wider city region. More than £250m has been spent in the local supply chain and the stadium will generate a return of £2.2m to Liverpool Council through council tax from the wider development.None of this is lost on those responsible for the fortunes of the wider area. Liverpool’s council leader, Liam Robinson, believes the project will mark an “exciting new chapter in the club’s place in our city” and vowed to work with Everton to make the move a successful one.Marc Watts, the new executive chairman of Everton, and Gareth Jaques of Laing O’Rourke at the new Everton Stadium on Friday (Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC )Article continues belowWith a nod to the potential impact of the stadium on the surrounding area, he added: “I also welcome the club’s partnership in the wider development of our ambitious plans for Liverpool North, with the prospect of over 10,000 new homes, new communities and improved public realm. The next decade could be truly transformational for Everton, the North Docks community and the city as a whole.”
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