Everton to consult with fans about potential midseason stadium switch in 2024-25
Everton will consult with fans as part of their considerations over whether to move into their new stadium midway through the 2024-25 season.
Everton fans.<p>
Everton will engage with fans as to when they will move into their new stadium. </p>
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Chief stadium development officer Colin Chong, who was recently installed as interim chief executive after a boardroom shake-up, insists the development at Bramley-Moore Dock is ahead of schedule and the club have never committed to a move-in date. </p>
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Everton will definitely not start the campaign after next in their new ground, with test events scheduled for the final months of 2024, but a huge decision remains over whether to re-home the team in the middle of a season considering the associated upheaval leaving Goodison Park could cause. </p>
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"I can confirm, after overcoming a full winter where we lifted the heaviest materials in the most challenging climate, we are confident the stadium will be completed in the final months of 2024," said Chong. </p>
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"This means we won't be starting the 2024 season at Everton Stadium but, to reiterate, the club has never publicly confirmed an intention to begin the 2024-25 season at our new home. </p>
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"If the project remains on schedule, it raises the question as to whether the club moves in mid-season or alternatively, do we wait and give the Grand Old Lady (Goodison) a fitting send-off before commencing competitive league games for the senior men's team at the start of the 2025-26 season. </p>
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"Whatever decision is reached, it won't be based on sentiment; it will be reached in consultation with fans, while also considering the impacts it will have across our football club in terms of our football operation, our commercial partners and third-party contracts, our staff, seasonal workflows and the impact, of course, on supporters. </p>
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"Moving mid-season may offer some commercial benefits, but also presents a series of challenges and hurdles that could negatively impact other aspects of the club - and other commercial considerations. </p>
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"What I can say categorically is that, today, the project is several weeks ahead of schedule, with another winter to come." </p>
<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/news/everton-consult-fans-potential-midseason-stadium-switch-2024-25">Everton to consult with fans about potential midseason stadium switch in 2024-25 </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>