The grass seeding at Everton's new stadium is expected to be completed next month. Workers will lay seven layers before the green surface appears. Everton is now less than a year away from moving to the Mersey waterfront.

Layer by layer

Four months after work began, including the installation of utility channels and the excavation of the original piling mat to allow vehicle access, contractors are systematically laying the necessary layers to create world-class SIS hybrid grass. After placing impermeable membranes, a waterproof lining, and a drainage system that collects water for irrigation, contractors are now moving on to installing the upper layers.

Gravel is evenly spread across the surface, forming a layer strong enough not to damage the drainage system below. On this base, heating pipes are laid in rows to cover the entire pitch before the lower and upper root zones are installed.

© Mister Drone UK

The most critical stage: seeding

Once all the layers have been laid, the grass seeding can begin, likely finishing in early October. Then, specialized machines will weave synthetic fibers into the grass roots to strengthen them, creating a durable SIS hybrid turf. These fibers, covering around 5% of the pitch surface, are designed to interlock with the growing grass, providing stability, strength, and durability.

Another stadium partner

At the end of August, Everton revealed the third founding partner for the Dock – and a unique addition to the project. The Anglo-Swiss watch brand Christopher Ward, already a sponsor of Everton, will become the presenting partner of the Dock On 1 social and dining area. The Toffees claim the new social space in bars and restaurants will help create a flexible matchday experience. The Dock On 1 will also feature a watch showroom, with access on non-match days available by special invitation only. This new element of the partnership further strengthens ties between both organizations, which began in 2022 when Christopher Ward became Everton's official timing partner.

Richard Kenyon, Everton's director of commercial and communications, stated that the project is an example of innovative collaboration. Kenyon called it unique and added that it’s just one example of how the new stadium can help the club's commercial partners grow.

© Mister Drone UK

Getting back on track

Maximizing the potential of the new Everton Stadium by creating new revenue streams, previously unavailable at Goodison Park, is a key goal for the club. Everton aims to significantly increase commercial revenues in the coming years and move away from the financial difficulties that have plagued them recently. Commercial revenue for the 2022/23 financial year totaled £39 million, and the club now expects this figure to rise significantly over the next three years, thanks to new income streams such as the sale of naming rights and hosting non-football events like music concerts.