February 19 – Everton finally opened their brand-new stadium at Bramley-Moore Docks on Monday evening with a test event featuring 10,000 lucky Toffee fans and the U18’s of the club versus Wigan.
Designed by renowned stadium designer, American Dan Meis, the 52,888-capacity stadium cost the club an estimated £750 million while taking four years to construct. The club expect to be fully moved in over the summer for the start of the 2025-26 season.
While saying goodbye to their current home Goodison Park, where they have resided since 1892, there is a huge sense of optimism surrounding the fan base.
“It’s out of this world,” said Andy, a long time Goodison Park season-ticket holder, who spoke with the BBC.
“We could not have wished for a better stadium. Everyone is excited, old and young.
“It’ll be a wrench to leave Goodison but when you see this, it is going to be the envy of everyone.”
Another Evertonian, Tom, who along with his son have signed up for season-tickets next season said: “It is a spine-tingling moment. What a ground Goodison was – but its time to move on.”
The stadium has already been selected as a host venue for Euro 2028, and it has been estimated that it will benefit the local economy to the tune of £1.3 billion.
As with any new venue there were some teething moments, particularly at Sandhills Railway Station which is closest to the ground. Local councillor, Richard Clein told the Liverpool Echo he fears “major safety issues” at the station and says that the infrastructure “clearly hasn’t been thought through.”
A Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) spokesman told the BBC. “The purpose of test events, like the one held last night, is to identify improvements and adjustments that can be made to ensure matchdays and large events progress smoothly and safely, particularly in terms of crowd management and managing the flow of passengers on to platforms.”
“Over the coming months the space will continue to be developed to become a welcoming and vibrant fan zone, with plans for new toilets, a fixed stage, food and refreshment areas and digital screens to enhance the visitor experience.”
On the pitch in their last season at Goodison Park, the Toffees are enjoying a mini-resurgence under the old and now new manager, David Moyes, and currently sit in 14th place after four wins in their last five matches.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1740109916labto1740109916ofdlr1740109916owedi1740109916sni@o1740109916fni1740109916