Everton’s new stadium and the City of Liverpool have been confirmed as part of the UK and Ireland’s bid to host the European Championships in 2028.
The 52,888 capacity waterfront stadium was chosen as the City of Liverpool’s preferred venue in November 2022 and will be included among 10 proposed host stadia when the UK and Ireland’s bid is formally submitted to UEFA today. The final list also includes Wembley (London), Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London), City of Manchester Stadium (Manchester), St James’ Park (Newcastle), Villa Park (Birmingham), National Stadium of Wales (Cardiff), Hampden Park (Glasgow), Dublin Arena (Dublin) and Casement Park (Belfast).
Construction of Everton Stadium, which will be one of the most inclusive and sustainable stadiums in the country, is due to be completed during the 2024/25 season. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, part of the England team that reached the final of the last European Championships, took part in a photo shoot at the stadium's construction site at Bramley-Moore Dock as part of the bid submission.
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He said: "Having proudly represented my country at major tournaments, I’ve seen the pride and impact being a host venue has on the clubs and people in those areas.
“If this bid is successful then the people of Liverpool will have the opportunity to be a part of something truly special and to show off what a fantastic and welcoming city it is. They will get to see some of best players across Europe and the city will become a temporary home to nations that will no doubt bring their own culture, noise and colour to Everton Stadium."
Everton chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale said: “Through Everton Stadium, Everton Football Club is proud to be representing the City of Liverpool and to be part of the UK and Ireland’s compelling proposal to host UEFA EURO 2028.
“The prestige of being a host city brings many benefits beyond participating in a festival of football; it will allow the club and the local authorities to build on the already transformational impact that Everton Stadium will bring to our City Region and to inspire young people from many of our diverse communities.
“In 1966, Goodison Park hosted five matches, including a World Cup semi-final. That tournament is fondly remembered by people across the North West and it introduced the region to new cultures and outlooks. I am sure if the UK and Ireland’s bid is successful then UEFA EURO 2028 will create new memories and another legacy that will last a generation."
The joint British Isles bid is up against Turkey and the final decision on where the 2028 European Championships will be hosted is due to be made by UEFA in autumn this year.
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