Everton's Under-21s will face Bolton Wanderers B next weekend with 25,000 supporters set to get their first taste of the club's future home
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 17: In this aerial view ans watch the first ever game at Bramley Moore Dock, the new home of Everton Football Club on February 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England. The friendly match between the Everton Under-18s and the Wigan Athletic Under-18s marks the first test event for Everton's new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool, with an expected 10,000 supporters in attendance. The stadium was completed late last year, and the first competitive fixture is scheduled to take place in August. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
An aerial view shows the 10,000 supporters who attended the first test event at Everton Stadium
Everton’s next opponents at the club’s stunning new ground have been confirmed. The Blues’ Under-21s will host Bolton Wanderers B in the second test event, set to be held in front of 25,000 supporters next weekend.
The game will be the latest step forward as the club seeks to earn its safety and licensing approvals ahead of the move to the waterfront venue in the summer.
Bolton will follow in the footsteps of fellow League One side Wigan Athletic, whose youngsters were hosted by Everton’s Under-18s in the first game ever to be held at the state-of-the-art 52,888 capacity stadium.
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That match was played out in front of 10,000 fans last month, with Ray Robert becoming the first Blues player to score at the club’s new home when he converted a late penalty in the 2-1 defeat.
Paul Tait will be hoping his U21s side can grab the first home win on the banks of the Mersey next Sunday afternoon.
Excitement for the occasion has been growing in the club’s academy with players vying for an opportunity to cement their place in history.
U21s suffered a narrow defeat to Arsenal on Friday night and will be without some of their star players due to international call-ups. But hopes will be high they can put on a good show for supporters set for the privilege of an early taste of what Everton’s future looks like.
Tickets for the test event, a 2pm kick-off, have sold out. One further test event is expected to be held as the club moves toward gaining official approval to host capacity crowds.