Goodison Park – Everton’s Heartbeat and the Road Ahead
If you’ve ever walked onto a football pitch in Liverpool, you’ve probably felt the buzz at Goodison Park. Opened in 1892, it’s been Everton’s home for more than a century. Generations of fans have cheered, chanted, and celebrated there, making it one of England’s most iconic stadiums.
But good things change. Everton’s owners have signed a huge naming‑rights deal that will rename the new ground at Bramley‑Moore Dock as Hill Dickinson Stadium. The plan is simple: keep the club’s legacy while giving fans a modern, 53,000‑seat arena that can host Euro 2028 matches and other big events.
Why Goodison Park Still Matters
Even with a new stadium on the horizon, Goodison Park isn’t just a patch of grass. It’s where legends like Dixie Dean, Tim Howard, and Leighton Baines made their marks. The atmosphere on matchday is raw – the crowd’s roar reverberates off the old‑school stands, and the smell of fried pies is part of the experience.
For local supporters, the stadium sits on a short walk from the city centre, with plenty of bus routes and a nearby train station. Parking can be a nightmare on big games, so many fans prefer public transport or a short walk. The neighbourhood around Goodison also hosts a handful of pubs that stay open late, perfect for post‑match celebrations.
What the Move to Hill Dickinson Stadium Means for Fans
The new stadium promises all the comforts modern fans expect: better seats, wider concourses, more food stalls, and state‑of‑the‑art hospitality suites. It will also improve accessibility, with ramps and elevators for wheelchair users. Importantly, the club says the spirit of Goodison will live on – they’ll keep the famous “Everton” sign and aim to bring some of the old stadium’s memorabilia into the new venue.
Location-wise, Bramley‑Moore Dock is a short bus ride away from the city centre and sits next to Liverpool’s waterfront. The area is being redeveloped, meaning new cafés, shops, and even a river walk could pop up around the stadium. This could give fans more things to do before and after games.
Ticket prices are expected to stay similar for most sections, though premium seats will cost a bit more. The club has promised a “fan‑first” approach, so season ticket holders will get priority for the new seats. If you’re worried about losing the intimate feel of Goodison, the design includes a “close‑to‑the‑action” tier that keeps the crowd feeling like a community.
In the short term, Everton will continue to play at Goodison Park while the new stadium is built. Expect a few more memorable moments on that historic pitch before it officially says goodbye. Keep an eye on the club’s website for the exact date of the final Goodison match – it’ll be a night to remember.
Whether you’re a lifelong Toffees supporter or just curious about football culture, Goodison Park’s story is still worth telling. It’s a place where history meets passion, and the upcoming move shows how clubs can honor the past while looking to the future.
