North West stadia included in UK and Ireland bid for UEFA EURO 2028
Two North West football stadia have been included in the UK and Ireland bid to host UEFA EURO 2028.
Everton Stadium and the City of Liverpool have been confirmed as part of the bid, as well as Manchester City’s City or Manchester stadium.
The waterfront stadium was chosen as the City of Liverpool’s preferred venue in November 2022 and will be included among 10 proposed host stadia when the UK and Ireland’s bid is formally submitted to UEFA today (April 12).
The final list also includes Wembley (London), Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London), City of Manchester Stadium (Manchester), St James’ Park (Newcastle), Villa Park (Birmingham), National Stadium of Wales (Cardiff), Hampden Park (Glasgow), Dublin Arena (Dublin) and Casement Park (Belfast).
Construction of Everton Stadium, which will be one of the most inclusive and sustainable stadiums in the country, is due to be completed during the 2024/25 season.
Everton FC chief execuive, Denise Barrett-Baxendale, said: “Through Everton Stadium, Everton Football Club is proud to be representing the City of Liverpool and to be part of the UK and Ireland’s compelling proposal to host UEFA EURO 2028.
“The prestige of being a host city brings 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 to inspire young people from many of our diverse communities.
“In 1966, Goodison Park hosted five matches, including a World Cup semi-final. That tournament is fondly remembered by people across the North West and it introduced the region to new cultures and outlooks.
“I am sure if the UK and Ireland’s bid is successful then UEFA EURO 2028 will create new memories and another legacy that will last a generation.”
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, part of the England team that reached the final of UEFA Euro 2020, took part in a photoshoot at the site of Everton Stadium as part of the bid submission.
He said: “Having proudly represented my country at major tournaments, I’ve seen the pride and impact being a host venue has on the clubs and people in those areas.
“If this bid is successful then the people of Liverpool will have the opportunity to be a part of something truly special and to show off what a fantastic and welcoming city it is.
“They will get to see some of best players across Europe and the city will become a temporary home to nations that will no doubt bring their own culture, noise and colour to Everton Stadium.”
Cllr Bev Craig and Danny Wilson, centre
Danny Wilson, Manchester City operations managing director, said: “Should the bid be successful, it will be a fantastic event for the city of Manchester with thousands of local and international fans attending the Etihad Stadium to enjoy one of Europe’s biggest sporting events.”
Manchester City Council leader, Bev Craig, said: “Manchester is a great sporting city and is known the world over for its passion for football.
“We’re really excited to be part of the UK & Ireland bid to host the UEFA EURO 2028 tournament – which, if successful, will provide not just a fantastic boost for the city’s economy, but also a chance for fans of the sport, new and old, to get directly involved in what is sure to be some top tournament action here on our doorstep.”
The joint bid – a five-association collaboration that brings together England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – sets out a clear and compelling vision for the tournament, ‘Football for all. Football for good. Football for the future’.
The final decision on where UEFA EURO 2028 will be hosted is due to be made by UEFA in the autumn of 2023.
