Everton FC has revealed that food service provider Aramark UK will be a founding partner for the club’s new stadium, set to open in the 2025/26 season.
Under the agreement, Aramark will aim to transform the fan experience at Everton’s new stadium with advanced technology. Aligned with the club’s vision for a digital-first venue, Aramark will implement state-of-the-art solutions to reduce wait times and boost fan satisfaction, supported by staff.
The stadium will feature ‘frictionless’ operations, minimising queues through ‘walk-in walk-out’ technology. Modern kiosks and retail outlets will be strategically placed around the ground to sell food and drinks.
These include self-service beer systems, immersive food options and collection points for online orders. Additionally, The Plaza, a 30,000 sq. metre area at the eastern entrance, will offer a range of curated food and drink experiences.
Everton’s new stadium is a long-running project, with construction starting back in 2021 in Liverpool’s docklands, on the banks of the River Mersey. Everton’s on-pitch struggles in the years since, including a points deduction last year, have not deterred the club’s ambitions, with the stadium also set to host matches during the UEFA European Championship 2028.
Richard Kenyon, Everton’s Chief Commercial and Communications Officer, said: “This is a landmark partnership for the Club and we are delighted to welcome Aramark as a Founding Partner.
“Their mission to set the standard for excellence and their alignment with our vision to create exceptional experiences for Evertonians really resonated with us.”
Aramark will leverage its successful solutions from sports venues worldwide, including NFL stadiums like the Philadelphia Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field and Denver’s Mile High Stadium. The company’s portfolio also features nine La Liga venues, such as Atletico Madrid’s Cívitas Metropolitano Stadium, and eight Bundesliga stadiums.
Kenyon added: “Aramark understands what goes into and what is required to deliver high profile and multi-purpose venues. As we look forward to the Club’s bright future at our new home, we are focused on working together to deliver the right type of experience for every fan and every visitor, both within the stadium and on The Plaza.
“By utilising Aramark’s global expertise across many industries, we will be adopting the very latest in retail technology to make a visit to Everton Stadium an amazing experience for every Evertonian.
“Evertonians deserve the best and we are working with a global industry leader in Aramark to offer unrivalled experiences at our new home.”
The partnership also aims to benefit the local community. Together with Everton in the Community (EitC), Aramark and Everton will launch a new social enterprise programme to highlight career opportunities at the stadium. They will also support local food and drink suppliers in showcasing their offerings.
The Premier League club expects the deal to generate over 1,200 new jobs at the stadium and through broader development projects.
Helen Milligan-Smith, CEO and President at Aramark UK, commented: “We are thrilled to be a founding partner and chosen as the Culinary Experiences Partner for Everton. Our shared commitment to delivering remarkable experiences means we are developing something truly extraordinary for the launch of the new stadium.
“It’s important to us that we go above and beyond to forge strong connections not only with our venues, but with the wider community too. The introduction of a new social enterprise programme is a great example of this, and we look forward to working with Everton in the Community to champion local produce and provide training and job opportunities to local people across Liverpool.”
