Everton fans are to bring a taste of Goodison Park’s revered matchday atmosphere to the USA at pre-game events that will allow something of the stadium’s famed noise and colour to be sampled Stateside.
The events, which will take place ahead of the Club’s pre-season encounters with Arsenal and Minnesota United, will see hundreds of Evertonians gather at venues close to the two stadiums where the games are being played to celebrate the Blues’ return to North America.
Everton will face Arsenal at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium - home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens (pictured) – on Saturday 16 July, before travelling to Minneapolis to take on MLS outfit Minnesota United on Wednesday 20 July. For kick-off times, click here.
Ahead of the clash with Premier League rivals Arsenal, fans are being asked to convene at the Baltimore Firefighters Union Hall (1202 Ridgely St, Baltimore, MD 21230), in the shadows of M&T Bank Stadium, from 2pm ET*.
Former Blues midfielder Leon Osman will be in attendance to meet fans and preview the match, and there will be giveaways, music and refreshments.
Fans from across the United States, and those travelling from the UK and other destinations, will also be encouraged to ramp up the atmosphere by taking part in a group march to the stadium turnstiles. The Firefighters Union Hall will then reopen post-match for supporters to reconnect and reflect on the game.
The event in Minneapolis will follow a similar plan, with Blues asked to gather from 4pm CT at the BlackStack Brewing (755 Prior Ave North, St Paul, MN 55104), nearby to Minnesota United's Allianz Field.
Tony Sampson, Chair of the Everton Fans’ Forum and representative of Everton’s US Supporters’ Club network, said: “There’s some great events lined up for fans across both cities where the team is playing and, as US-based Evertonians who are excited to see the team back in North America this summer, it’ll also be great to bring a taste of what makes a Goodison matchday so special here to America.
“Many of our Supporters’ Club members have been fortunate enough to witness games at the Grand Old Lady – and many have not.
“We all watched on in awe at the incredible scenes towards the end of last season and everyone here is looking forward to seeing as many Evertonians getting together before the match, getting behind the team, and adding noise and colour to the occasion in a way that only Blues can!”
The US Supporters’ Club network has also worked with Everton to arrange welcome events for fans in both Baltimore and Minneapolis, with more supporter engagement activities to be confirmed in the coming days.
Tickets for both of Everton’s games in the USA are on general sale. For more information or to buy, head to evertonfc.com/usa2022
* UPDATE: Parking for this event will be available to fans in Lots N and O at M&T Bank Stadium. Pre-book parking in Lot N (the closest to the venue) here. Pre-book parking in Lot O here.
