Although Premier League stadiums becoming multifaceted isn’t anything new, one club is going above and beyond this summer, set to undergo a ‘never-seen-before’ transformation to welcome an entirely different sport. Other examples include Tottenham Hotspur Stadium regularly hosting the NFL, while West Ham’s London Stadium was previously used for athletics.
Elsewhere around the world, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Japan’s Sapporo Dome are just three of the greatest multi-sport stadiums ever. These venues have successfully tapped into a variety of markets to maximise revenue.
Now, however, there could be a new contender to upset the apple cart and put the cat among the pigeons, as one ‘out of this world’ British stadium looks to introduce golf to the stadium scene this summer.
‘Out of this World’ British Stadium Set to Welcome Golf during The Open
Looking to capitalise on the excitement generated by Rory McIlroy’s Masters title defence over the weekend, Everton are planning to transform their stadium into a driving range this summer to coincide with The Open Championship. Just 14 months after opening, the Toffees have revealed the ambitious plans.
Upper Deck Golf are known for converting some of the most iconic NFL and MLB venues into immersive, interactive experiences. They have already staged events at Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, and Dodger Stadium. Now, Hill Dickinson Stadium becomes the first European venue to host the concept alongside The Open.
The four-day event, running from Thursday 16 July to Sunday 19 July, will see tee boxes installed high in the stands, with custom greens laid out across Everton’s pitch below, allowing fans to hit shots from multiple vantage points around the ground.
Participants will also be able to watch live coverage of the tournament on screens throughout the stadium, with the 154th edition taking place at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, just a few miles away. Everton supporters will be hoping local favourite Tommy Fleetwood, a lifelong fan of the club, can deliver.
Everton Reveal Plans for Driving Range at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium
Aaron Duckmanton, Chief Revenue Officer at Everton Football Club, said, as per TalkSPORT: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Everton have confirmed that tee times at Hill Dickinson Stadium will run from 7am to 9pm on July 16 to July 19. Bookings are available in two-player slots, and the Toffees will also provide clubs at each hitting location.