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When Everton’s first team will play their first-ever game at the new stadium

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There are a lot of reasons to be positive about Everton away from the pitch with the takeover offering a new lease of life to the club.

But it is not just The Friedkin Group’s arrival on Merseyside which will excite the fans with a new stadium nearing completion too.

Everton are struggling to find any real consistency on the pitch with victories few and far between for the Blues.

In recent weeks, Everton were handed the keys to their new stadium with the final touches being put in place ahead of the test events.

The club are set to move into their new ground fully ahead of the new campaign, but an exciting development has now been teased.

General Views of Premier League Football Stadiums
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Everton first team game in new stadium teased

Fans have seen their new stadium really take shape over recent weeks with the new Everton stadium passing safety tests ahead of its handover to the club.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Everton’s Director of Communications and Engagement Scott McLeod discussed some big dates ahead of Bramley-Moore Dock’s development.

When asked when the first team players would take to the stadium for the first time, McLeod said there was some exciting news to come on that front.

“Well, the 25/26 season will be our first season in our new home. We’re not revealing any details as yet, around the first senior match that will be played there,” he said.

“That’s sort of some exciting news that will be coming later in the year. But for now, it’ll be the U18s that will be the first Everton team kicking a ball in earnest in the new stadium.”

Two test events have been announced by the club earlier this week with the U18s playing first, before the U21s play in front of an increased crowd.

However, Everton also mentioned a third test event, which would be played in front of a capacity crowd, with details to follow.

Everton need to secure Premier League survival first

Ahead of the move, the Friedkins expect a £40m revenue boost through Everton’s new stadium providing greater financial power.

However, that is on the basis of the Toffees remaining in the Premier League beyond this season.

The past few years have been a struggle for Everton and Sean Dyche’s side find themselves around the foot of the table once again.

Everton are eyeing January signings to bolster their fight against the drop, but relegation could prove a huge issue for the Blues as they get ready to move to their new ground.