Hill Dickinson Stadium is the official name of Everton Football Club’s state-of-the-art home at Bramley-Moore Dock, having officially opened its doors for the 2025/26 Premier League season. Located on Liverpool’s historic northern waterfront, the venue boasts a seating capacity of 52,888, making it one of the largest and most technologically advanced stadiums in the UK. The naming rights were secured in May 2025 through a landmark multi-year agreement with Hill Dickinson, an international commercial law firm with deep roots in Liverpool. Designed by MEIS Architects and Dan Meis, the stadium features a striking “brick, glass, and steel” exterior that pays homage to the city’s maritime heritage while housing a steep “home end” stand inspired by the “Yellow Wall” at Dortmund to maximize matchday atmosphere. Architecture, Design, and Naming Rights
A Landmark Naming Rights Agreement
The transition from “Bramley-Moore Dock” to Hill Dickinson Stadium was finalized on May 16, 2025. The deal is reported to be worth approximately £10 million per year, providing Everton with a critical commercial injection as they moved away from the historic but limited Goodison Park.
Hill Dickinson, founded in 1810, shares a history with Everton that dates back to the club’s formation in 1878. This partnership is viewed as a “regeneration alliance,” focusing not just on stadium branding but also on social impact through the Hill Dickinson Foundation and the award-winning Everton in the Community programs.
Architecture: Blending Modernity with Heritage
The stadium’s design is a “football-first” masterpiece that respects Liverpool’s status as a UNESCO-influenced maritime city (despite the loss of formal status).
- The Brick Base: The lower tiers are constructed using traditional brickwork that mirrors the historic dock warehouses surrounding the site.
- The Steel and Glass Cap: The upper structure features a sleek, aerodynamic roof that protects spectators from the elements while allowing natural light to flood the pitch.
- Preserving the Past: The Grade II listed Hydraulic Tower on-site has been meticulously restored and converted into a visitor center and café, serving as a permanent link to the dock’s industrial heyday.
Atmospheric “Football First” Seating
The interior bowl is designed to keep fans as close to the action as possible. The South Stand, a single-tier home end, holds 13,000 supporters and is built with a steep incline to amplify noise. Acoustic experts have noted that the stadium is specifically engineered to contain sound, creating one of the most intimidating atmospheres in European football.
The 2026 Matchday Experience
Technology and Connectivity
In 2026, Hill Dickinson Stadium was recognized as the most digitally advanced ground in the Premier League.
- Cashless Environment: Every kiosk, bar, and retail store is 100% cashless, supporting contactless and mobile payments for rapid service.
- High-Density Wi-Fi: The “Connected Stadium” initiative ensures that all 52,888 fans can access high-speed internet simultaneously, facilitating in-app food ordering and real-time match stats.
- Digital Entry: Paper tickets have been entirely phased out in favor of NFC-enabled digital passes on the Everton official app.
Dining and The Fan Plaza
The Fan Plaza, located to the east of the stadium, serves as the primary gathering point for supporters. It is roughly the size of three football pitches and hosts live music, pop-up food stalls, and large-screen pre-match entertainment.
- The Dockside Bars: Several bars within the stadium offer views overlooking the River Mersey, allowing fans to watch the sunset over the water before evening kick-offs.
- Local Flavor: The stadium has partnered with local Liverpool vendors to provide authentic “Scouse” cuisine alongside standard matchday fare like pies and burgers.
Practical Information and Planning
How to Get to Hill Dickinson Stadium
The stadium is located in the Vauxhall area of Liverpool, approximately 2 miles north of the city center.
- By Train: Sandhills Station is the primary rail link. It is a 15-minute signposted walk to the stadium. On matchdays, a shuttle bus service operates between Sandhills and the ground.
- By Foot: Many fans choose the “Waterfront Walk” from the Royal Albert Dock, which takes approximately 25-30 minutes and offers stunning views of the Mersey.
- By Car: There is no general parking at the stadium. Visitors are encouraged to use city-center car parks or Park & Ride schemes from Bootle Strand.
2026 Prices and Tours
- Match Tickets: Standard Premier League tickets for 2026 range from £45 to £75, depending on the opposition and seating tier.
- Stadium Tours: Daily tours are available for £25 (Adults) and £15 (Children), including access to the dressing rooms, the tunnel, and the “Sky Bar” views.
- The Club Store: A flagship two-story retail store is located on the south side of the plaza, open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on non-matchdays.
Technical Innovation and Economic Impact
The SISGrass Hybrid Pitch Technology
The playing surface at Hill Dickinson Stadium is one of the most advanced in world sports, utilizing SISGrass hybrid technology. This system involves stitching approximately 20 million individual polymer fibers into the natural turf to a depth of 18cm, providing structural stability that prevents the pitch from “tearing” during high-impact activities.
- Water Management: The pitch is supported by the SIS Air AquaCycle system, which allows groundstaff to manage soil moisture and aeration levels with precision, ensuring the grass remains healthy even during the harsh winter months on the waterfront.
- Fast Transition: This technology is what allows the stadium to host a grueling two-day event like the Magic Weekend (6 rugby matches in 48 hours) and return to Premier League standard within days.
Economic Regeneration of North Liverpool
The stadium is the “north star” for the £5 billion Liverpool Waters vision, which aims to create a sustainable mixed-use waterfront. By 2026, the stadium’s presence has already generated an estimated 2,500 permanent jobs in the local area through hospitality, retail, and site management.
- The “North Shore” Effect: Previously overlooked districts like Vauxhall have seen property values rise as the area transitions from a peripheral dockland to a primary tourism destination.
- Infrastructure Boost: The project has paved the way for a new railway station and road improvements funded by the City Council, significantly improving connectivity between the city center and the northern docks.
Future Events and Beyond Football
2026 Magic Weekend and Rugby League
The 2026 Betfred Super League Magic Weekend is set to be one of the stadium’s biggest non-footballing milestones. Scheduled for July 4–5, 2026, the event will bring all 12 Super League teams to the Mersey waterfront for a full round of fixtures, including the highly anticipated Wigan Warriors v St Helens derby.
- Fan Integration: The massive Budweiser Plaza outside the stadium will be used as a “fan zone” for the entire weekend, featuring live music, heritage displays, and interactive rugby challenges.
Boxing, Concerts, and Euro 2028
Everton has actively sought licenses to expand the stadium’s use as a year-round entertainment venue.
- Boxing Ambitions: Following his WBA world title win, local hero and Evertonian Jazza Dickens has expressed a desire to host the first-ever professional boxing match at the stadium in 2026.
- Euro 2028: The stadium has already been confirmed as one of the key host venues for the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, cementing its status as a top-tier international sporting arena.
Practical Information: Events and Access
Attending Non-Matchday Events
For fans attending concerts or the Magic Weekend in 2026, the stadium operates under the same “Football First” accessibility guidelines.
- Hospitality Suites: Spaces like “The Yard” and “Kendall’s” in the West Stand offer premium viewing for non-football events, with catering provided by Michelin-level chefs.
- Event Parking: While matchday parking is restricted, non-matchday events often utilize expanded shuttle services from the Isle of Man and Cruise Liner terminals.
Environmental Sustainability
Hill Dickinson Stadium is designed with 2026 sustainability standards in mind.
- Sand Infill: During construction, 480,000 cubic meters of sand were transported by boat to minimize truck traffic and carbon emissions.
- Waste Reduction: The stadium utilizes a Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) approach, which significantly reduced construction waste compared to traditional stadium builds.
FAQs
What is a hybrid pitch?
It is a mix of 95% natural grass and 5% synthetic fibers, providing the feel of a natural pitch with the durability needed for multi-use stadiums.
When is the 2026 Magic Weekend?
The event takes place on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, 2026.
How many visitors does the stadium attract annually?
It is projected to bring an additional 1.4 million visitors to the Liverpool City Region every year.
Will Hill Dickinson Stadium host the 2028 Euros?
Yes, it is one of the ten host venues selected for the UEFA European Championships in 2028.
What is the “Hydraulic Tower”?
It is a Grade II listed historic building on the stadium site that has been restored to serve as a visitor center and café.
Is the stadium cashless for concerts too?
Yes, the entire stadium remains 100% cashless for all events, including music concerts and rugby matches.
Can I see the pitch during a stadium tour?
Yes, tours include pitchside access, though walking on the SISGrass surface itself is strictly prohibited to preserve the fibers.
What is the “Ten Streets” project?
It is a 125-acre innovation district adjacent to the stadium aimed at creative startups, artists, and digital technology companies.
How much did the stadium cost to build?
The final construction cost is estimated to be approximately £750 million to £800 million.
Who is the architect of the stadium?
The lead architect was Dan Meis (MEIS Architects), supported by BDP Pattern.
Why is it called Hill Dickinson Stadium?
The naming rights were sold to Hill Dickinson, a prominent international law firm based in Liverpool, in a long-term commercial deal starting in 2025.
What is the capacity of Hill Dickinson Stadium?
The stadium has a total seating capacity of 52,888, with provision for safe standing in certain sections.
Can I visit the stadium on non-matchdays?
Yes, the Fan Plaza and the Hydraulic Tower visitor center are open to the public throughout the week, along with scheduled stadium tours.
Is there a “Safe Standing” area?
Yes, the South Stand (Home End) and the away supporter section both feature rail seating to allow for safe standing during matches.
What happened to Goodison Park?
After the move in 2025, Goodison Park began a Legacy Project redevelopment, which includes community housing, health centers, and green spaces.
How do I get from Liverpool Lime Street to the stadium?
Take a short train from Lime Street to Sandhills Station, or take the 917 matchday express bus from the city center.
Is the stadium accessible for disabled fans?
Hill Dickinson Stadium is fully accessible, featuring elevated viewing platforms, sensory rooms, and accessible parking for Blue Badge holders.
Can the stadium host concerts?
Yes, the venue is designed as a multi-purpose arena and is scheduled to host major music concerts and boxing events during the summer months.
Is the pitch grass or synthetic?
The stadium uses a SISGrass hybrid pitch, which combines natural grass with synthetic fibers for maximum durability and playability.
Are there EV charging points at the stadium?
Yes, a limited number of Electric Vehicle charging stations are available in the official club car park for staff and hospitality guests.
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