25,000 Supporters Set To Get Their First Taste Of The Club’s Future Home

Everton new stadium second test event opponents confirmed

Everton’s Under-21s will face Bolton Wanderers B next weekend with 25,000 supporters set to get their first taste of the club’s future home

Everton’s next opponents at the club’s stunning new ground have been confirmed. The Blues’ Under-21s will host Bolton Wanderers B in the second test event, set to be held in front of 25,000 supporters next weekend.

The game will be the latest step forward as the club seeks to earn its safety and licensing approvals ahead of the move to the waterfront venue in the summer.

Bolton will follow in the footsteps of fellow League One side Wigan Athletic, whose youngsters were hosted by Everton’s Under-18s in the first game ever to be held at the state-of-the-art 52,888 capacity stadium.

That match was played out in front of 10,000 fans last month, with Ray Robert becoming the first Blues player to score at the club’s new home when he converted a late penalty in the 2-1 defeat.

Paul Tait will be hoping his U21s side can grab the first home win on the banks of the Mersey next Sunday afternoon.

Excitement for the occasion has been growing in the club’s academy with players vying for an opportunity to cement their place in history.

U21s suffered a narrow defeat to Arsenal on Friday night and will be without some of their star players due to international call-ups. But hopes will be high they can put on a good show for supporters set for the privilege of an early taste of what Everton’s future looks like.

Tickets for the test event, a 2pm kick-off, have sold out. One further test event is expected to be held as the club moves toward gaining official approval to host capacity crowds.