After £800 million and four years of development, Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock has officially made its grand debut. The 52,888-seat venue, a testament to ambition and perseverance, opened its doors for the first time as 10,000 fans attended a test event. This marked a significant milestone in a journey that has been decades in the making, with the stadium now standing proudly on the banks of the River Mersey.
The site, which had been abandoned and neglected, was not always destined to become this stunning sports venue. Just over three years ago, it was a decaying body of water filled with unexploded wartime ordnance. It wasn’t until July 2021 that Everton acquired the location, beginning the long journey to transform it into a world-class stadium. Today, the result is nothing short of impressive, with the stadium rising from the waterfront to become an architectural marvel. The opening of the new stadium serves as a powerful symbol of both the club’s and the city’s resilience.
The friendly match between Everton’s and Wigan’s under-18s teams, though not competitive at the highest level, was symbolic in its own right. The event was a chance to witness the first game at the new venue, where Everton’s Demi Akarakiri kicked the first ball, and Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer scored the first goal in the stadium’s history. The game ended 2-1 in favor of Wigan, but the result was secondary to the significance of the event.
Fans in attendance were treated to a glimpse of the future of Everton FC, with a spectacular view from the South Stand. The stand, designed to eventually house the home supporters when the club moves into the new stadium full-time next season, offers unobstructed sightlines of the pitch and the surrounding city skyline. The facilities in the stadium are also top-notch, with spacious concourses, modern kiosks, and ample restroom facilities—an upgrade from the older, more cramped Goodison Park.
The test event was the first of three required to meet safety and operational standards before the stadium is officially opened to a full 52,888-capacity crowd. The second and third events will feature progressively larger crowds, culminating in the full opening. Beyond the stadium’s immediate impact on Everton, it is expected to attract 1.4 million visitors annually, create around 15,000 jobs, and contribute an estimated £1.3 billion to the UK economy throughout its lifespan.
The road to this achievement was anything but smooth. Everton had previously pursued two other stadium projects, at King’s Dock and Kirkby, both of which fell through. The Walton Hall Park proposal also failed to materialize before the decision to settle on Bramley-Moore Dock. Despite these setbacks, the new stadium represents a significant triumph for the club, especially under the ownership of Farhad Moshiri, who backed the £750m-£800m project despite its financial challenges. One of Moshiri’s lasting legacies is the preservation of heritage features at Bramley-Moore, including the restoration of the historic dock walls and a Grade II-listed hydraulic tower.
However, not all has been smooth sailing. While the stadium stands as a gleaming symbol of progress, challenges remain in terms of infrastructure and local logistics. Recent parking restrictions imposed by the Liverpool City Council, which apply year-round, have sparked backlash from local businesses and residents, with some fearing a negative impact on their operations. Additionally, the local transportation network, which was expected to support the influx of visitors, has faced criticism for inadequate planning.
Despite these obstacles, Everton’s commitment to revitalizing the area and creating a state-of-the-art home for the club remains unwavering. The emotional farewell to Goodison Park is tempered by the excitement of what lies ahead at the new stadium, signaling the dawn of a new era for both the club and the city of Liverpool.
