On a chilly Monday evening along the Mersey River, Everton Football Club marked a historic moment as 10,000 fortunate fans got their first glimpse inside the club's spectacular new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock during an under-18s friendly match against Wigan.
The massive £750 million project, which has been under construction for four years, is set to become Everton's new home when the club relocates in time for the 2025-26 season. The stadium's imposing presence along Liverpool's dock road immediately captures attention with its innovative blend of steel and red brick architecture, seamlessly merging traditional and contemporary design elements.
"It's out of this world," remarked Andy, a current Goodison season-ticket holder who has already secured his spot at Bramley-Moore for next season. "We could not have wished for a better stadium. Everyone is excited, old and young."
The transformation of the site is remarkable, considering it was a working dock just three and a half years ago. The construction process involved an impressive feat of engineering, with a dredger making 130 round-trips into the Irish Sea to collect 480,000 cubic meters of sand for the stadium's foundation. The new venue, with a capacity of 52,888, will rank as the seventh-largest in the Premier League and has been chosen as a host venue for Euro 2028. The project is expected to contribute an estimated £1.3 billion to the local economy.
The stadium's design pays homage to Everton's heritage while embracing modern amenities. The restored Grade II-listed Victorian hydraulic tower and original railroad tracks stand as preserved landmarks, while the Latticework design by renowned Scottish architect Archibald Leitch, familiar from Goodison Park, is incorporated into the new structure's brickwork.
For the test event, fans experienced the impressive South Stand, which will eventually accommodate 14,000 supporters. The concession areas offer both traditional football fare and contemporary options, including Korean sticky chicken and salt and pepper chicken subs, alongside the popular 'The Toffees doughnut' with its distinctive royal blue icing.
"It is a spine-tingling moment," shared Tom, who, along with his son Elliott, has secured season tickets for the upcoming season. "What a ground Goodison was - but it is time to move."
The stadium's design prioritizes fan experience, with stands built at the steepest permissible gradient to maintain proximity to the pitch. Modern features include two massive TV screens and a powerful PA system that reportedly can be heard across the Mersey on the Wirral.
Maintaining tradition, players entered the field to the Z-Cars theme music, just as they have at Goodison Park for over five decades. The historic first goal at the new stadium was scored by Wigan's Harrison Rimmer, who celebrated with a gesture referencing Liverpool's six Champions League titles. The Young Latics secured a 2-0 lead before Everton's 16-year-old Ray Robert converted a late penalty.
Dave, another future Bramley-Moore season-ticket holder, summed up the sentiment of many fans: "It is breathtaking. Goodison has been our spiritual home but you cannot fault this. It brings us right up to date with the best."
