Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

THE City of Liverpool is celebrating the news it will be a host City for the UEFA EURO 2028 men's championships. The international sporting spotlight will fall on the Liverpool City Region once again, with Everton FC's new Stadium at Bramley Moore Dock chosen as a venue of the successful UK and Ireland bid.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- "Few places 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 than us. From the Grand National, to Eurovision and The Open, we've proven time and again that we have the capability, creativity and culture to put on unforgettable spectacles for visitors from around the world. Everton's new stadium is already shaping up to be a world class venue and I can think of no better opportunity to show why our Region is the perfect place for football fans; both on and off the pitch; than EURO 2028."

Liverpool, which recently hosted Eurovision, will stage a fan festival throughout the championships, befitting one of the world's most prestigious sporting occasions.

The City, which hosted matches in the EURO 1996 tournament and famously staged World Cup games in 1966, is part of a roster of famous sporting cities across the UK and Ireland that are known throughout the world.

Everton's future home, located on the banks of the River Mersey, is fast becoming part of the City's world famous waterfront and lies just a 10 minute walk from the City Centre. The 52,888 capacity stadium, due for completion in late 2024, will be one of the most accessible and sustainable sporting venues in the country.

The winning joint bid by the UK and Ireland set out a clear and compelling vision for the tournament:- "Football for all. Football for good. Football for the future."

Colin Chong, Everton FC Interim Chief Executive and Chief Stadium Development Officer, said:- "Everton Football Club is proud to be representing the City of Liverpool as an integral part of the UK and Ireland's successful bid to host UEFA EURO 2028. We feel sure our iconic stadium will be a real highlight of the tournament and the prestige of being a host City will bring so 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 will inspire young people from our local communities."

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 in famous footballing Cities.

Seamus Coleman, Everton FC and Republic of Ireland Captain, added:- "It's fantastic news for the City of Liverpool and my home nation. Everton Stadium hosting international games is really special for the club, and it seems only right that this welcoming, diverse City is part of the tournament as football is such a huge part of people's lives here. Hosting games in Ireland will be incredible too. It'll be a real reward for football fans there who will bring their own unique passion and colour to the spectacle."

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 an historic event which will bring people together.

Jordan Pickford, Everton and England goalkeeper, added:- "It's brilliant for fans across Merseyside and the north west that Everton Stadium will be a venue for EURO 2028; and it's a proud moment for the club too. Football means a lot to this City so it's special to have such high profile international matches played here. The England fans supported us all the way to the final in the last Euros, so I've no doubt fans across the UK and Ireland will ensure the tournament is another memorable 1.

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

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council said:- "It is absolutely fantastic news that the UK and Ireland are to host UEFA EURO 2028; with Liverpool to play a pivotal part of that tournament. Our City has football in its DNA and fans from across Europe and beyond know they can expect an amazing welcome and celebration of sport and culture. From European Capital of Culture to Eurovision, Liverpool has an unrivalled track record in delivering diverse and inclusive events on behalf of Europe. UEFA EURO 2028 in Liverpool is going to be much more than games taking place on the pitch. We'll develop a programme that will involve the whole City and wider Liverpool City Region that will give fans and visitors something truly memorable to celebrate."

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.

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 (52,888)
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)