08-08-2025
Merseytravel tells fans 'get your steps in' as Everton's new stadium tests capacity for first time
Merseytravel have told supporters to be prepared to "get your steps in" as Everton FC's new stadium tests at capacity for first time.
The Toffees will host Italian giants AS Roma at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium in a double-header friendly match, with both clubs' first teams and legends facing off.
The company have advised fans that Sandhills station is likely to be "very busy", so have recommended that fans take the approximately 30-minute walk from Moorfields station instead.
It is the third and final test event at the stadium, and will be the first time it will welcome a capacity crowd of up to 52,769.
Merseyrail say they have a "robust plan" in place for the fixture, with extra services and staff across the network.
Sandhills station will serve as the main hub for match day travel, where a second entrance and pedestrian footbridge has been constructed in an attempt to manage the crowds.
Moorfields and Bank Hall stations are being used as part of Merseyrail's contingency plans, should disruption occur at Sandhills station during the event.
Further provisions for the fixture include:
A 15-minute service on the Southport, Ormskirk, Hunts Cross, and Headbolt Lane lines before and after the event.
All available 4 and 8-car trains in service to support increased demand.
A revised timetable for customers travelling to or from Cressington station.
After the first test event, the Everton Fans' Forum wrote an open letter to Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram with concerns over transport, parking and street lighting near the club's new stadium.
Long queues formed on platforms at Sandhills station, fans were unable to park close by and a lack of street lighting on nearby roads also caused issues.
Neil Grabham, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said: 'We look forward to welcoming Everton fans who choose to travel by Merseyrail to this weekend's third test event at the Hill Dickinson Stadium."We've put in place a robust plan with extra services and staff across the network to support, but customers should expect the network to be very busy on Saturday."Like train stations near other major football stadiums across the UK, Sandhills station will be extremely busy on matchdays.
"Customers can help us, to help them, by planning ahead, allowing extra time for journeys, and considering alternative routes in case of unexpected disruption'.
The men's team played their final match at Goodison Park on 18 May 2025 when they beat Southampton 2-0.
The new ground is built on Bramley Moore Dock, and takes its name from the international commercial law firm "Hill Dickinson" based in Liverpool, who are the official naming rights partner.
The Toffees will host their first Premier League match at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday 24 August against Brighton and Hove Albion.
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