When it was first revealed that Everton were building a new stadium on Bramley-Moor Dock back in 2018, there was an acceptance among fans that the final product would be used to host more than just Everton matches.
Unlike Goodison Park, the Hill Dickinson Stadium is a World-Class arena in its own right. Although it has clearly been built specifically for football, it is also somewhere that is capable of hosting other major events, such as concerts, American football matches and huge boxing cards.
However, in its first year in operation, the first non-Everton event to take place at the stadium was the second Rugby League Ashes test between England and Australia. And following the success of the event on Merseyside, there are now calls for more Rugby League matches to take place at the stadium.
Hill Dickinson lined up for a triple header in 2026
According to reports in the Guardian, the Hill Dickinson Stadium is being touted as a possible location for three major Rugby League matches in 2026.
The three matches in question are the two Challenge Cup semi-finals and England women vs France women. All three matches are scheduled for April 2026, but as things stand, Everton are only due to use the stadium once in this month, which opens up the possibility of these Rugby League events taking place at the Hill Dickinson.
England head coach, Shaun Wane, was very complimentary about the stadium after the Ashes test with Australia, even though it did end with disappointment for the hosts. If Wane has any say in the matter, and if he is still the head coach in 2027, then there is every chance that the stadium could be used when New Zealand next tour England, too.
FGG says: The first of many non-football events
There were some Everton fans who weren't best pleased about Rugby League taking place at their new stadium last weekend, but this is a reality they are going to have to get used to moving forward. The Hill Dickinson is one of the finest arenas in the United Kingdom, and the revenue it can bring in from non-football events can also help Everton's cause.