Everton have unveiled a range of enhancements at Hill Dickinson Stadium for the 2026/27 season, following operational reviews and supporter feedback from the first campaign. Changes include reducing the road closure period around the 52,769-capacity venue from two hours to 90 minutes before kick-off, starting with the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 22. The club revealed the plans ahead of the final pre-season friendly against Lille on Saturday.
New Matchday Initiatives
For the opening three home league fixtures against Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Ipswich Town, a trial will offer selected pints of beer at £4.50 during the first 45 minutes after the stadium opens, with 50p from each qualifying pint donated to the 1878s to fund supporter-led displays. The stadium will also feature live entertainment and DJs on the Budweiser Plaza, additional food and drink outlets, more mobile beer sellers, and continued self-service beer stations.
Improvements to Club View include new padded seats, a revamped concourse with extra food and drink service points, and changes to the £10 matchday credit system allowing groups to pool credit. The historic Hydraulic Tower, a Grade II-listed building, is set to become a premium matchday destination and events venue, subject to local authority approval.
Food and Drink Expansion
Two new food concepts will debut: The People’s Bakery, offering a Chicken Balti Pie and other favourites while supporting Everton in the Community, and a dedicated Chip Shop on Level 2 of the South Stand. Pepsi’s Budweiser Plaza outlet remains, featuring the exclusive ‘Toffee Edition’ crafted beverage. Shelving units on concourses have been doubled, and Forever Blue Rewards integration has been improved.
Accessibility and Future Plans
Working with Everton Disabled Supporters’ Association, the club has increased Blue Badge parking spaces to the second highest in the Premier League behind Manchester City, added low-level shelving and cup holders on Personal Assistant seats, and improved online ticketing for disabled season ticket holders. New Accessibility Bag Exemption Tags and an Access Passport have been introduced, with waterproof ponchos available for wheelchair viewing platforms in autumn.
Andrew Middleton, Everton’s president of business operations, said: “Hill Dickinson Stadium has already established itself as an outstanding home for Everton and, importantly, this is only the beginning. We are committed to continually evolving the stadium, learning from every event and every matchday so that the experience keeps improving season after season.” Further phases of ‘Evertonisation’ and stadium branding are planned, with the club continuing to gather feedback throughout the season.
