Everton Football Club is on the brink of a historic moment as they prepare to face their arch-rivals Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Saturday. This match holds particular significance for the Toffees as it marks the last Premier League clash at their beloved Goodison Park. Evertonians are hopeful that they can secure back-to-back victories over Liverpool for the first time since 1985, making this encounter not just a matter of local pride, but a poignant farewell to their current home.
Goodison Park has been the home of Everton since 1892, and its storied history has been filled with thrilling matches, cherished memories, and a strong connection to the club’s identity. The impending move to a new stadium symbolizes a new chapter for Everton, but it undoubtedly stirs a gamut of emotions among the fanbase. In anticipation of this transition, many supporters are keen to absorb every moment of what is expected to be an electrifying atmosphere during the final derby at this iconic ground.
As Everton gears up for this momentous occasion, fans are interested in the details surrounding their future stadium, known for the time being as Everton Stadium. The club is currently on the lookout for a naming rights partner to finalize the branding of the new home. The stadium is under construction in north Liverpool, specifically situated on the site of the historic Bramley-Moore Dock. This location is conveniently located approximately 2.4 kilometers from Liverpool’s city center and about 3.2 kilometers west of Goodison Park, connecting the new venue to the city’s vibrant culture.
The proposed capacity for Everton Stadium is a substantial 52,888, which, when confirmed, will make it the seventh-largest stadium in the Premier League, just slightly larger than Newcastle United’s St James’ Park. A defining feature of the new stadium is its design incorporating safe standing sections. If legislative changes permit a shift towards more standing allowances, there could be potential to increase that capacity. This move comes as the club looks to modernize its facilities, having redeveloped Goodison Park several times since its inception, the most notable being an upgrade to an all-seater configuration in August 1994, which capped the attendance at 39,572.
In terms of timeline, Everton Stadium is set to hold test events in early 2025, with the grand opening planned for August 2025. This timeline has been eagerly anticipated not just by the club but by supporters and the broader community who hope to see the stadium engaged in a variety of events. Beyond hosting Everton’s home fixtures, the stadium will also accommodate Women’s Super League matches. The venue has already been shortlisted as one of the ten host locations for the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, indicating its stature and significance on a larger sporting stage. Additionally, it has the potential to host notable events such as the 2025 Ashes in rugby league and possibly outdoor concerts, expanding the use of the facility beyond football.
However, the cost of developing this new stadium has been a topic of discussion; initial estimates placed the budget at around £500 million, but that figure has escalated to over £800 million. This inflation in cost was made public as part of Premier League documents related to the club’s recent 10-point deduction due to breaches in Profit and Sustainability Rules.
As for Goodison Park, plans are underway for a “Farewell to Goodison Festival,” during which fans can fondly reminisce and celebrate the legacy of the stadium. This festival will feature live music and participation from both current and former first-team members. Following the conclusion of the Premier League season, Goodison Park will be demolished, marking the end of an era and paving the way for redevelopment. Each of these transitions, both for the club and its fans, encapsulates the tapestry of emotions, history, and anticipation that define the spirit of Everton Football Club. Streaming of the match can be enjoyed on platforms like TNT Sports and discovery+, allowing fans a glimpse into this momentous occasion.
