Hot on the heels of Rory McIlroy making history by becoming only the fourth player ever to retain the Masters title at Augusta National, the golfing world is now turning its attention to Hill Dickinson Stadium. Everton’s new waterfront ground has already played host to international rugby league, welcomed the England vs Australia Ashes Test on November 1 last year, and is set to stage a rugby union international between Fiji and England on July 11.
Now, golf enthusiasts will be able to pick up their clubs and tee off inside the 52,769-capacity venue while watching live coverage of the 154th edition of The Open Championship, which takes place simultaneously at another legendary Merseyside sporting venue, Royal Birkdale.
Upper Deck Golf, which has previously been staged at some of the most celebrated NFL and MLB stadiums, including Wrigley Field in Chicago, Yankee Stadium in New York and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, is bringing its distinctive format to Europe and outside North America for the very first time.
Hill Dickinson Stadium will be transformed into an immersive golf experience, with tee boxes positioned high up in the stands and bespoke greens laid out across the pitch below.
The four-day event, running from Thursday, July 16, to Sunday, July 19, will offer participants a vibrant, festival-style atmosphere complete with live music, food, drinks and a variety of golf challenges.
Tee times at Hill Dickinson Stadium will run from 7am to 9pm, with bookings available in two-player slots. Premium and VIP packages will also be on offer, including access to additional challenges and complimentary food and drink. Clubs will be provided at each hitting location.
Season ticket, premium and Forever Blue+ Members will be granted priority access to tee times via an exclusive pre-sale window. A second priority window will be available for those who register for early access ahead of a general sale in June, with limited availability and high demand anticipated.
Aaron Duckmanton, Chief Revenue Officer at Everton Football Club, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Upper Deck Golf to Hill Dickinson Stadium. It’s an experience that has been delivered at some of the world’s most iconic venues, and this is a great opportunity for people to see our new home from a completely different perspective.
“With The Open Championship taking place nearby, events like this bring something unique to the city – whether that’s hitting shots from the upper tiers down onto the pitch or enjoying the clubhouse-style atmosphere, activities and challenges around the venue. It’s a fresh and memorable way to engage with the stadium during one of golf’s most historic tournaments.
“We’ve always said we want the stadium to be more than just a matchday venue, and events like this show how we can use the space in new and innovative ways, attract different audiences and keep it active all year round.”