Hill Dickinson Stadium glistened once again this summer as it provided centre stage for another festival of sport. Everton’s stunning home hosted international rugby union for the first time as England faced Fiji on Saturday - the first time in a decade that England had played on home soil but away from Twickenham.
Rugby Union and Magic Weekend Success
Liverpool’s glorious waterfront therefore provided the backdrop for another crowd of first-time visitors getting a taste of the state-of-the-art venue, with pictures captured by the ECHO showing thousands of smiling faces and plenty of supporters in fancy dress for the landmark occasion. The weather played ball for another showcase on the banks of the Mersey as England produced a dominant display. It came just one week after the stadium hosted Magic Weekend, the set piece of the domestic rugby league season, across two days - impressing organisers so much that they booked in for an immediate return next year before a ball was even kicked.
Golfing Hub and Upcoming Events
There is more to come, too. This week the stadium will be transformed into a golfing hub to coincide with the Open Championship taking place up the coast at Royal Birkdale. From July 16-19 the ground will host Upper Deck Golf, an experience that will allow players to tee off from the stands and aim for greens laid out on the pitch below. The event is a landmark achievement for Everton given it is the first time it is being brought to Europe.
Stadium restaurant Domingo’s has also opened this summer while former boxing world champions Tony Bellew and Joe Calzaghe will host a Q&A event on July 18. Attention will then turn to preparing the ground for Everton’s final pre-season friendly, against Lille, before the Premier League curtain raiser against Crystal Palace.
Economic Impact and Future Plans
The events highlight the versatility of a stadium injecting fresh impetus into the city’s economy at an otherwise challenging time - with more to come given the club is already planning events as far ahead as summer 2029.
