Everton supporters have voiced serious concerns about travel conditions outside their new £800m stadium at Bramley Moore Dock following the second test event. Fans attending the Under-21s match against Bolton Wanderers on Sunday reported being held up by the Bascule Bridge on Regent Road, which could not handle the weight of the crowd. Pictures showed large queues as people were gradually let through, with only 25,000 fans present—less than half the stadium's 52,888 capacity.
One fan wrote on social media: "This needs sorting in my opinion. Having to stop every few steps because the bridge can't handle more weight. This will be chaos at full capacity. They had four years to sort it." Others highlighted congestion at Sandhills train station, with some waiting hours to board trains. Another supporter said: "Queues all the way down the road and this is only 25,000 fans. Need to sort something fast before next season."
Concerns were also raised about the station's ability to cope in poor weather. A local resident commented: "It's inadequate. I'm a local resident and it's bad enough on a sunny day... wait till it's winter, lashing down, people aren't going to want to wait in a conveyor belt for a train." A further warning was issued: "Test event or not. It's a joke and unsafe for everyone. @MetroMayorSteve pls sort all this. STOP the single lane main roads causing massive traffic issues and open up the roads nearby so people can park. Sandhills CANNOT cope otherwise and there WILL be a disaster on your watch."
Similar issues arose during the first test event last month, when the Under-18s played Wigan in front of 10,000 fans. Sandhills station was then described as "not fit for purpose". Additional complaints included the club's fanzone being labelled "a disgrace" and the excessive number of portaloos around the stadium. Everton are set to move into the new ground next season.
