US Supporters’ Clubs Gear Up To Welcome Everton For 'Dream' Tour
Everton Supporters’ Clubs across the United States are preparing to welcome fellow Blues from around the world as the excitement for the Club’s upcoming trip to the USA builds. Evertonians in North America will be treated to nearly two weeks of unforgettable events and fixtures, with David Moyes’ side set to take part in the Premier League Summer Series across three cities. With official welcome gatherings planned in New York, Chicago and Atlanta, Supporters’ Club leaders from the North American Toffees network have told evertonfc.com what the tour means to them — and why this summer will be one to remember. “We’re delighted to be welcoming the Club and Evertonians back to the US,” said Tony Sampson, Chair of the North American Toffees and Vice Chair of Everton’s Fan Advisory Board. “The tour is a dream come true for Supporters’ Clubs across the country. It's an incredible opportunity for fans – many of whom have followed the Club passionately from afar – to see the Blues up close and show the players and the footballing world just how strong the Everton connection is here in the US. “We're also excited to be welcoming fellow Blues from the UK and showing them why Everton is America’s team.” In New York City, anticipation is high as Everton prepare to kick off their Premier League Summer Series participation at MetLife Stadium in nearby New Jersey. For the NYC Evertonians, this is a moment they’ve long dreamed of. “We’re absolutely ecstatic that Everton will be training and playing in the NYC metro area,” said James Rogers, Co-Chair of NYC Evertonians. “Between Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Red Bull Arena and MetLife Stadium, we’ve seen so many international clubs come through — and now it’s finally our turn!” Michael Setterberg, Co-Chair of the group, added: “Over the years, we’ve enjoyed visits from current and former players, Fan Fests, even a Blazercon. But we haven’t had the full first team play in our region in a very long time. We’re looking forward to a fantastic weekend!” As part of the activity in New York, fans can also look forward to an unforgettable live theatre-style evening with Men in Blazers, featuring David Moyes, Club legends, and current Everton players, hosted at the iconic Racket NYC. The New Jersey Toffees, who will co-host the welcome night at The Turnmill Bar, echoed the sentiments of Rogers and Setterberg. “Two of the biggest things I love are New Jersey and Everton,” said Adrian Yllatopa. “After visiting Goodison Park, I saw how similar the people of Liverpool are to New Jerseyans — hard-working and proud. It’ll be an honour and a privilege to welcome Evertonians to our home state.” In Chicago, fans are equally eager to bring the Blues back to the Windy City for the first time in more than 15 years. “Everton hasn’t played in Chicago since 2008,” said Lo McDonald, Chair of the Chicago Evertonians. “Since then, the team has grown, our supporters’ group has grown, and so has the city. But one thing hasn’t changed — the love Chicagoans have for their teams. We want Everton to grow into being one of Chicago’s teams too.” In addition to their official welcome event at AJ Hudson’s, Chicago Evertonians will also be on-board for ‘Everton Fans’ Chicago Cruise, presented by Christopher Ward’. The two-hour sight-seeing cruise along the city’s stunning skyline promises music, giveaways, guest appearances from Club legends, and an unforgettable experience for supporters. And, in Atlanta, supporters are preparing to end the Premier League Summer Series on a high. “Atlanta’s motto is Resurgens — ‘rising again’ — and what better city to celebrate Everton’s future at the final stop of the Summer Series?” said Chris Harding and Bridget Bryson of the Atlanta Evertonians. “This city has it all — diverse culture, amazing food, a thriving arts scene — and we can’t wait to show our Blue family what the South has to say. Resurgens and Up the Toffees!” From bar takeovers and player and ambassador meet-and-greets to matchday experiences, theatre events and the famous Chicago Lake Michigan Cruise, Everton’s Summer Series tour promises a unique opportunity for supporters near and far to come together in celebration of the Blues. Each matchday in the Premier League Summer Series offers fans a double-header experience, with one ticket providing access to both matches. In addition to the highly-anticipated fixtures, Everton and the Premier League will host a full programme of fan engagement events in all three cities, including giveaways, Q&As and special appearances. Confirmed Premier League Summer Series Everton Fan Engagement Events: NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY Thursday 24 July – New York / New Jersey Everton Soccer School at LIU Brooklyn – SOLD OUT A fun, coaching-led session featuring a visit from a first-team player and Leon Osman. 2pm – 8pm – The Goodison Experience at American Dream Mall Everton will be part of the Premier League’s full-day activation at the third-largest mall in the U.S., featuring football cages, skills tests, and photo opportunities. Afternoon – Everton Takeover Three Senior Men’s team players will appear at The Goodison Experience for a Q&A and meet-and-greet opportunity. 7:30pm – Supporters’ Club Welcome Event at The Turnmill New York and New Jersey Everton Supporters’ Clubs unite to welcome Blues to the Big Apple and Garden State. Leon Osman, Graham Stuart and Dan Meis will be in attendance for a Q&A and giveaways. Friday 25 July – New York/New Jersey 11am – 6pm – The Goodison Experience at American Dream Mall Continues all day with an Everton legend joining other Premier League club ambassadors in the afternoon. 7:30pm – ‘A Night Live on Stage With Everton Football Club Featuring David Moyes Presented by Christopher Ward’ LAST FEW TICKETS REMAINING David Moyes and Everton players join the Men in Blazers for a special live show in NYC. Saturday 26 July – New York/New Jersey Supporters’ Club matchday meet-up (Information to follow) 4pm – Everton vs AFC Bournemouth Everton kick-off the Premier League Summer Series against the Cherries at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Tickets for the opening fixture are available here. CHICAGO Monday 28 July – Chicago 7:30pm – Chicago Evertonians Welcome Event at AJ Hudson’s Blues will be welcomed to the Windy City by the Chicago Evertonians Supporters’ Club, with Leon Osman, Graham Stuart and Adrian Heath joining fans for a Q&A and giveaways. Tuesday 29 July – Chicago 2–4pm – Everton Soccer School at Skyline Pitch – SOLD OUT Featuring visits from Leon Osman and Graham Stuart. 7pm – Everton Chicago River Cruise Experience – Presented by Christopher Ward Set aboard the luxury Spirit of Chicago, this unforgettable two-hour cruise will include access on board the Lake Michigan cruise, two premium drinks (cash and card bar available thereafter), an-American buffet, Q&A with Graham Stuart, Dan Meis, Adrian Heath, music, giveaways, all set against the stunning skyline views of Chicago. Tickets available here. Wednesday 30 July – Chicago 11–3pm – Premier League Tailgate at Guinness Brewery Leon Osman will be in attendance as Blues gets ready for kick-off. Bus transport to stadium will be available. 5:30pm – Everton vs West Ham United Everton’s Summer Series continues with a fixture in the Windy City against David Moyes’ former side. Tickets for the fixture with the Hammers at Soldier Field are available here. ATLANTA Friday 1 August – Atlanta 2–4pm – Everton Soccer School at East Lake Station Park – SOLD OUT Featuring visits from Leon Osman. Saturday 2 August – Atlanta 7:30pm – Atlanta Evertonians Welcome Event at Limerick Junction Graham Stuart and Leon Osman will join supporters for a Q&A hosted by Atlanta Evertonians. The event will see attendees from across the US, UK and Europe come together ahead of the final Summer Series fixture. Sunday 3 August – Atlanta 5pm – Everton vs Manchester United Everton conclude the Premier League Summer Series with a fixture against Manchester United at Mercedes Benz Stadium. The Blues finished above Ruben Amorim’s men last season. Tickets for this fixture are available here.