It may have been a cold, dark Monday evening on the banks of the River Mersey, but for Everton fans, the excitement was palpable as they gathered for the grand unveiling of the club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
The historic occasion, which saw 10,000 lucky Toffees fans enter the state-of-the-art venue for an under-18s friendly against Wigan, marked the first chapter of what is expected to be a bright new era for the club.
The new stadium, a project four years in the making with an estimated cost of over £750 million, is set to become Everton’s home starting in the summer of 2025, ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
The stunning 52,888-capacity stadium, the seventh-largest in the Premier League, is also slated to host matches at Euro 2028, contributing an estimated £1.3 billion to the local economy.
What immediately stands out to visitors is the sheer size of the stadium. Situated on the historic dockside, the venue is a striking blend of old and new.
Its vast steel and red-brick structure is impossible to miss, dwarfing the surrounding area. The venue is an architectural marvel, incorporating elements from the past, including restored Victorian railway tracks and a Grade II-listed hydraulic tower, while embracing a futuristic design led by renowned Scottish architect Archibald Leitch.
Fans were filled with excitement as they entered the stadium, which features one stand open for the friendly.
The South Stand, steeply tiered to keep fans as close to the pitch as possible, will eventually house 14,000 supporters.
Inside, the stadium boasts a variety of food options beyond traditional match-day fare, including Korean sticky chicken subs and the popular ‘Toffees doughnut,’ a blue-iced treat that had fans sporting royal blue stains on their lips.
A massive glass window along the South Stand offers a stunning panoramic view of the Liverpool skyline, with many fans taking a moment to admire the sight.
“You don’t get that view at Anfield,” said one enthusiastic steward, adding to the pride felt by many of those present.
For the first fans to set foot in the stadium, the occasion was emotional. “It’s a spine-tingling moment,” said Tom, who, along with his son Elliott, is signed up as a season-ticket holder for next season. “Goodison has been our spiritual home, but it’s time to move.”
The opening match was a fitting tribute to the past and future of the club. Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer, a lifelong Liverpool fan, scored the first-ever goal at the new stadium, a moment he immortalized by flashing six fingers in reference to Liverpool’s six Champions League titles.
The Young Latics doubled their lead through Cole Simms, before Everton pulled one back with a penalty from 16-year-old Ray Robert.
But for most fans, the result was secondary. The night was all about the atmosphere and the promise of what lies ahead. “Goodison has been our home, but this is something else,” said Dave, another lifelong Toffees supporter. “It brings us right up to date with the best.”
The opening of Bramley-Moore Dock marks a significant moment in Everton’s history, offering fans a modern, world-class stadium and a glimpse into a bright future.
The anticipation for next season’s move to the new home is already building, and the club’s loyal supporters can look forward to many more unforgettable moments at this remarkable venue.
