The future has arrived for Everton Football Club. On Monday, the Toffees’ state-of-the-art new home at Bramley-Moore Dock opened its turnstiles for the very first time, offering 10,000 fortunate fans an exclusive glimpse inside the glistening £750 million ($945m) waterfront stadium.
Dawn of a New Era
After 133 years at the famous but aging Goodison Park, Everton is on the cusp of relocating to one of the most modern and impressive stadiums in Europe. The 52,888-seater will become the seventh-largest venue in the Premier League and has already been selected to host matches at Euro 2028.
Monday’s test event, which saw the Everton U18s take on Wigan U18s, marked a momentous milestone in the construction process. The first ball was kicked, the first goal was scored, and the first roar of “Forever Everton” echoed around the towering stands.
Preserving the Past
While boldly futuristic in design, Everton has taken great care to honor the heritage of the historic Bramley-Moore Dock site. The club restored a Grade II-listed Victorian hydraulic tower, which now stands proudly as a reminder of the area’s industrial past amidst the gleaming glass and steel.
Breaking New Ground
Although it was the visitors who christened the net, with Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer claiming the honor of the first goal, Everton’s future looks bright in their stunning new surroundings. 16-year-old Ray Robert made his mark in the history books by netting the Toffees’ first goal from the penalty spot.
To score the first goal for Everton at this incredible stadium, in front of my family and the fans, is a moment I’ll never forget. This place is going to be bouncing next season!
– Ray Robert, Everton U18s forward
A Shining Jewel by the Mersey
Everton’s colossal new home is an architectural icon that transforms the Liverpool skyline. With towering stands, sweeping curves, and expanses of glass reflecting the shimmering waters of the Mersey, it’s an awe-inspiring sight by day or night.
Fans lucky enough to attend the first test event were full of praise for the modern amenities, immersive sightlines, and electric atmosphere – even at a fraction of capacity. The concourses welcomed them with delectable matchday fare like spicy Korean chicken and decadent doughnuts.
Final Farewell to Goodison
With the new jewel by the dock nearing completion, a bittersweet goodbye to dear old Goodison Park looms. The Grand Old Lady, with her creaking Archibald Leitch stands wedged between narrow terraced streets, recently hosted her final Merseyside derby in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
It was mayhem all game. Goodison was absolutely bouncing and the boys fed off that energy. Goodison will always have a special place in our hearts.
– David Moyes, Everton manager
After 133 years of highs, lows, and priceless memories, Goodison will soon fall silent. Bricks and mortar from the cherished ground will be incorporated into the public realm around Bramley-Moore Dock – ensuring a piece of Everton’s soul remains forever present.
Blue Skies Ahead
As a new day dawns over the shimmering Mersey, Evertonians gaze toward a bright future in their world-class home. With an iconic stadium to match their ambitions and fanbase’s renowned passion, the Toffees aim to recapture glories of the past and carve an exciting new chapter in their illustrious history.
The first test event merely whetted the appetite. When the towering stands are packed to the rafters and the Gwladys Street roar reaches fever pitch, Bramley-Moore Dock will become more than a stadium – it will be a glorious citadel for generations of Evertonians. A shining beacon by the river, where dreams will be born anew.