There has been a lot of change around Everton over the past year, but nothing quite as significant as their move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The arrival of the Friedkin Group has helped steady things after the turbulence under Farhad Moshiri, bringing a sense of direction back to Goodison Park.
There are fresh opportunities opening up thanks to the new stadium, which is expected to reshape Everton’s financial outlook for years to come.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Hill Dickinson Stadium had been selected over St James’ Park to host the 2026 Magic Weekend.
The move has not gone off without a hitch, though. Some issues have cropped up since fans started making their way to Bramley Moore Dock for games.
Poor transport links have already drawn plenty of complaints from supporters, and now another problem could prevent the club from hosting major events in future.
Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium could lose business due to one key problem
Following last week’s SCR vote by all 20 Premier League clubs, Everton are in line to benefit financially.
Hill Dickinson Stadium has made a clear impact, giving the Toffees the ability to host top-level sport and entertainment events in one of the country’s most modern facilities.
But not everyone is convinced about every aspect of the stadium. Rugby League commercial director Rhodri Jones spoke to All Out Rugby League, highlighting one particular concern about Everton’s new ground.
Discussions are underway regarding the potential location for major Rugby League finals after 2027, though the capacity of the Hill Dickinson Stadium could present a significant obstacle.
Everton’s stadium capacity could be significantly boosted, according to reports, by making adjustments to the seating arrangements within the ground.
However, the current limit of 52,000 could become a problem over time, since major sporting events often need larger venues to meet demand and financial targets.
A rugby reporter praised the atmosphere at Ashes Series fixture held at Hill Dickinson Stadium recently, but Super League officials are not convinced it makes sense from a revenue perspective.
Rugby League acknowledges Everton’s new stadium
Birmingham City, whose owner has spoken highly of Everton’s new ground, have also revealed plans for their own stadium.
But Birmingham’s proposal includes an additional 10,000 seats compared to Everton’s current capacity.
The venue is already set to host matches during the 2028 Euros, but its size could be a sticking point when it comes to hosting some of the sport’s biggest finals.
Jones, the managing director of Rugby League Commercial, acknowledged the notable disparity in available tickets between Old Trafford and the Hill Dickinson venue.
“Economics will play a key part in that. Old Trafford has the ability to host 70,000 people. Hill Dickinson is 52,000. Those 18,000 seats are quite valuable.
“That is the biggest factor for us, but we have to evolve, and we have to move forward. There’s a stadium just out here [Etihad] that will move to 60,000 for the start of the next football season. The economics will play a part.
“We’re in a good place. We’ve added Everton to the roster of rugby league stadia, which I think is a positive for the sport. We’re wanted by Everton, which is another key thing to consider. We’re looking forward to it,” Jones concluded.
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