Why Everton ditched home kit and played in new strip for FA Cup tie at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Everton ditched their home kit for their FA Cup third round clash against Sunderland at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.

Despite being the home side, the Toffees lined up in a new, dark blue strip as their cup run ended immediately with a penalty shoutout defeat to their Premier League rivals.

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After Enzo Le Fee’s first-half strike, David Moyes’ side forced extra time after James Garner forced extra-time with a late penalty.

With neither side able to find a winner, the game went to penalties, where the Black Cats won the shootout 3-0 after Garner, Thierno Barry and Beto all saw their spot kicks saved by Robin Roefs.

But it was Everton’s kit choice which caught the eye in the clash, as they opted against wearing their traditional blue colours.

Why did Everton wear their away kit against Sunderland?

Ahead of their FA Cup tie, the Toffees revealed kit manufacturers Castore had designed a special fourth kit for the clash.

The dark blue strip, which features the club’s crest and Stake sponsor in fluorescent pink, is a tribute to Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

This season saw the club move into the 52,000-capacity ground at Bramley-Moore Dock – ending their 133-year stay at Goodison Park.

In a statement, the Merseyside outfit said the kit celebrates the stadium’s place in the ‘iconic’ city of Liverpool.

It forms part of an exclusive collection that also includes warm-up shirts and track jackets with an abstract design paying homage to landmark buildings in the city’s skyline – including the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the Three Graces and St Johns Beacon.

Everton also confirmed their Women’s team would join the Men’s side in wearing the new strip for their WSL clash with Manchester City on Sunday.

A press release read: “Castore is kicking off 2026 with a new Everton kit and matchday range that celebrates Hill Dickinson Stadium’s place in one of the most iconic and revered cities in the world.

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“The exclusive collection includes a selection of dark blue warm-up shirts and track jackets featuring an abstract design that pays homage to notable buildings from Liverpool’s famous skyline, including Hill Dickinson Stadium, the Three Graces and St Johns Beacon.

“Central to the range is a dark blue playing kit that will be worn by the Men’s Senior Team for today’s FA Cup third round tie against Sunderland and by Everton Women when they face Manchester City on Sunday.”

Centre-back James Tarkowski was pictured modelling the eye-catching new strip, before he led Everton out as captain against Sunderland.

It is not yet clear if the Toffees will wear the kit beyond this weekend, who have already released a home, away and third strip this term.

Hill Dickinson Stadium history

After 133 years at their iconic Goodison Park home, Everton moved to Hill Dickinson Stadium in the summer.

It took three-and-a-half years to complete, and reportedly cost around £800million to build.

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The ground has a capacity of 52,769, an increase of over 10,000 compared to their old ground.

Three test events were held before it hosted its first Premier League fixture on August 24 as Everton beat Brighton 2-0.

Everton Women, who have since made Goodison Park their home, also played at the venue against Manchester United in the Women’s Super League in October.

Hill Dickinson Stadium will be one of ten host stadiums at Euro 2028, and is part of the UK’s bid to welcome the Women’s World Cup in 2035. 

Rival stadium Anfield, where Liverpool play, was not selected due to its pitch dimensions.