Everton new stadium milestone hit as test shows off ground in full glory

Work to create the new pitch at Everton’s new stadium is about to reach a milestone after a summer of intense work. The playing surface is one of few major features still to be completed at the new ground but progress has been made over recent months.

That work has paved the way for grass seeding to start after the pitch was rolled and compacted for the first time this week.

The hybrid surface - which will eventually see synthetic fibres stitched into the roots of the grass - is expected to be ready for when test events start in early 2025.

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Seeding follows the meticulous process of building up the tiers of the playing surface that began in August. Waterproof membranes, a layered drainage system and a gravel layer were all laid before the undersoil heating pipes were installed on top and covered by lower and upper rootzones, which will provide the bed for grass seeding.

Special machinery is due to arrive shortly to stitch the synthetic fibres, which interlock with the grass to strengthen the playing surface. Those fibres will cover about 5% of the pitch.

Work on the pitch has continued this week amid the lighting test that produced such stunning effects on Thursday night.

Initial testing of the lighting offered sight of what the waterfront landmark will look like in all of its glory as it makes its presence known on the banks of the Mersey.

The operation saw the curved roof barrel of the east stand lit blue and uplighting beneath the barrel and in the south stand was also reviewed by architects. The lighting on the plaza area was also tested. Inside, the stadium’s LED floodlights are already operational.