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Combined Authority insists there will be many additions to enhance the facilities for fans heading to the new ground next season
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Mayor responds after Everton fans say same thing about 'fan zone'
The area outside Sandhills Station(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
A number of Everton fans have been left less than impressed by plans highlighted by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram for a 'fan zone' at Sandhills trains station to serve the club's new ground.
Mayor Rotheram posted a video on his social media channels on Thursday in which he visited the new facilities put in place at the train station aimed at helping fans travel
to the new £500m arena, which will be in use for the Blues from the start of next season. These include a large number of metal fences erected in the car park of the train station to manage crowds exiting the train and heading
to the stadium.
In the video, Mayor Rotheram states: "I know Everton fans are getting very excited about the Bramley-Moore Stadium, but we have been thinking about what we need to do to get fans to and from that fantastic venue. We've built this new fan zone here at Sandhills Station with our partners
Merseyrail to ensure that we can get people to and from the platforms as quickly but as safely as possible."
On social media, he added: "We are investing in the fan zone to ensure a smooth and reliable match day experience for fans. By doing this, we're prioritising fan safety, while making sure travel is quick and reliable."
But it is safe to say that the video has not gone down well with everyone, with hundreds of frustrated fans responding to what they've seen so far. On X, Steve Jones said: "I can’t believe they rolled the mayor out to take a look at a piece of tarmac and some temporary barriers and call it a “fan zone'. Not even under cover Embarrassing for all concerned."
The GrandOldTeam Everton fan account said: "How many years have you had and that - *that* - is your answer? Pathetic." Jez Clein was similarly withering, stating: "Embarrassing. Four years and that's the great idea for transporting 53000 people to and from Bramley Moore."
Steve Rotheram at the new 'fan zone' at Sandhills Train Station
Billy Gildea added: "Well in lads you’ve had years to come up with a few metal barriers outside the station. Well done the powers that be in this city - the years of meetings that must of taken to brainstorm this."
The ECHO put some of these criticisms to Mayor Rotheram and the Combined Authority. Responding, a spokesperson insisted that yesterday's announcement was in regards to just the first phase of the development of a new fan zone, adding: "It is not – and has never been – a station redevelopment."
The spokesperson added: “The new queueing system at Sandhills station is designed to avoid dangerous overcrowding on the platform, making sure fans can travel to and from large events at Everton’s new home safely and efficiently. We know how important matchdays are, and our priority is ensuring a smooth and safe experience for supporters. The system we’ve put in place is similar to the tried-and-tested arrangements at
Aintree and has been designed to avoid congestion and confusion, making it clear where fans need to go.
“But what’s been shown so far is only the beginning. Over the coming months, we’ll be transforming this space into a welcoming and vibrant fan zone for Blues and visitors alike. Plans include adding toilets, a fixed stage, food and refreshment areas, and digital screens to enhance the matchday experience.
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“With Merseyrail’s recommendations, we’re also investing in better CCTV, improved lighting, and additional staff support to ensure that everyone—especially those with disabilities or additional needs—feels safe and supported.
“This is about getting everything in place ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the first test event scheduled for 17th February. We’ll keep fans fully updated as the work progresses because this is about making sure Evertonians have the best possible matchday experience at Bramley Moore.”