Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

THE City of Liverpool and Everton Stadium has been formally announced as part of the UK and Ireland’s bid to host UEFA EURO 2028.

The pioneering 5 association collaboration of:- England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales; with the support of their Government partners; is aiming to host the 4 yearly tournaments and create an amazing football celebration.

The bid proposes to UEFA 10 stadiums in famous sporting Cities known throughout the world which are home to clubs with great footballing histories and heritage with direct, quick and sustainable transport links and accommodation that will provide an unrivalled experience for teams and fans.

Everton’s new home will be located on the banks of the River Mersey and is set to become part of the city’s world-famous waterfront. It will be one of the most accessible and sustainable sporting venues in the country.

The joint bid sets out a clear and compelling vision for the tournament:- “Football for all. Football for good. Football for the future.”

Key to this is a commitment to diversity, social purpose and innovation in delivering an outstanding UEFA EURO 2028 that will create unforgettable memories in sold-out, iconic stadiums infamous footballing Cities.

The aim is to grow a more diverse and inclusive game as well as connect with new audiences and the next generation of fans; staging a historic event which will bring people together.

It will shine a light on Liverpool’s vibrant and welcoming culture, inviting fans to enjoy the City’s famous destinations and landmarks.

The ambition is to create new opportunities to play football across all ages, genders and abilities and make football more accessible, fan and family friendly, and inclusive.

It will also provide longer term benefits through tourism promotion, social enterprise and other business and training opportunities that will provide people with skills for life.

Interim chief executive of Liverpool City Council Theresa Grant said:- “It is fantastic news that the City of Liverpool and the new Everton FC stadium is part of the UK and Ireland’s bid to host UEFA EURO 2028. Our City has football in its DNA and we are used to giving a massive welcome to football fans from across Europe and beyond. From European Capital of Culture to Eurovision, Liverpool has an unrivalled track record in delivering diverse and inclusive festivals. UEFA EURO 2028 in Liverpool would be much more than games taking place on the pitch as we will develop a programme that will involve the whole City and wider Liverpool City Region.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- “Few places can claim to have made a bigger impact on English; and European; football than the Liverpool City Region. Quite simply, nowhere is more qualified or experienced to host 1 of Europe’s biggest sporting spectacles. As our area gears up to welcome hundreds of thousands of people for the Grand National Festival, the Eurovision Song Contest and The Open Championship over the next few months, we’ve already proven that we have the capability, creativity and culture to put on unforgettable shows for visitors from around the world. I believe we’re already the UK’s cultural capital but, once complete, the new stadium, at Bramley Moore Dock, will be another feather in our cap. The new ground is just a stone’s throw from the City Centre, has accessible transport links to hospitality and leisure facilities across the region, and will be the perfect venue for football fans to soak in the unique culture that our area is famous for. I’ve got everything crossed that the UK and Ireland’s bid comes out top!”

Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief executive at Everton 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 inspire young people from many of our diverse communities. In 1966, Goodison Park hosted 5 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.”

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, part of the England team that reached the final of UEFA EURO 2020, 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."

The 10 stadiums and capacities are:-

1.         Wembley Stadium, London (90,652)

2.         National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff (73,952)

3.         Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London (62,322)

4.         City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester (61,000)

5.         Everton Stadium, Liverpool (52,679)

6.         St James’ Park, Newcastle (52,305)

7.         Villa Park, Birmingham (52,190)

8.         Hampden Park, Glasgow (52,032)

9.         Dublin Arena, Dublin (51,711)

10.       Casement Park, Belfast (34,500)

UEFA will announce the winning host in October 2023.