As Everton Football Club prepares to bid a bittersweet farewell to their beloved Goodison Park after 131 years, a new chapter in the club’s storied history is set to unfold. The Toffees took a significant step towards their future home at Bramley-Moore Dock, welcoming 10,000 enthusiastic fans for a test event featuring an under-18 friendly match against Wigan Athletic.
A Glimpse into the Future
The £800 million, 52,888-seater stadium, which took four years to construct, promises to be a state-of-the-art facility that will not only serve as Everton’s new home but also host matches during the upcoming Euro 2028 tournament. Keith Southern, Everton’s U18 coach, praised the stadium’s design, emphasizing the intimate atmosphere it creates despite its impressive size.
“Whoever’s designed it has done a fantastic job because the stands are on top of you, when this is full next season, it’s going to be a hell of a place to play.”
– Keith Southern, Everton U18 Coach
The test event, which saw Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer score the first goal at the new stadium, offered a tantalizing preview of the electric atmosphere that awaits Everton’s players and fans in the coming years. Although the hosts ultimately fell 2-1, with Ray Robert netting for the Toffees, the day’s significance extended far beyond the scoreline.
Bidding Farewell to Goodison Park
As excitement builds for the future, Everton fans are also preparing to bid a fond farewell to Goodison Park, the club’s home since 1892. The stadium’s final Merseyside derby, a thrilling 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool, served as a fitting send-off for the venerable ground. Goodison Park will host its last competitive match on May 18 against Southampton before being demolished and redeveloped into a mixed-use scheme featuring housing and offices.
A New Era Dawns
The transition to Bramley-Moore Dock marks a significant milestone in Everton’s history, as the club seeks to establish itself as a force in English and European football. The new stadium’s state-of-the-art facilities and increased capacity will not only enhance the matchday experience for fans but also provide the club with a platform for growth and success on the pitch.
As the Toffees prepare to embark on this new chapter, the test event at Bramley-Moore Dock served as a symbolic bridge between the club’s illustrious past and its promising future. With the support of their passionate fanbase and the promise of a world-class stadium, Everton looks poised to write new legends in the years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Everton’s new £800 million stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock welcomed 10,000 fans for a test event
- The 52,888-seater stadium will host Everton’s home matches starting next season and serve as a Euro 2028 venue
- Goodison Park, Everton’s home since 1892, will host its final match on May 18 before being demolished and redeveloped
- The move to Bramley-Moore Dock marks a significant milestone in Everton’s history as the club seeks to establish itself as a force in English and European football
As Everton fans eagerly await the start of the 2025-26 season, the promise of a new era at Bramley-Moore Dock has the Toffees’ faithful dreaming of a bright future filled with unforgettable moments and triumphant victories. With the echoes of Goodison Park’s rich history as their foundation, Everton stands ready to build a new legacy in their state-of-the-art home on the banks of the River Mersey.
