After 133 years at Goodison Park, Everton have finally stepped into the future with the opening of Hill Dickinson Stadium – a sleek, 52,000-seat arena rising proudly on the banks of the River Mersey. If Goodison symbolized the club’s proud past, this new home feels like the perfect place to channel ambition and optimism for the years ahead.
From the moment supporters made their way up Regent Road, there was a sense of awe in the air. Many slowed their pace, stopping for selfies and videos, soaking in the sheer spectacle of the glass-and-steel structure. Its arched steel roof gleamed in the afternoon sun, giving the impression of a stadium rising from the river itself. For Evertonians accustomed to the intimacy – and chaos – of Goodison’s narrow streets, chip wrappers, and packed alleyways, the spacious concourses and flowing design offered a striking contrast.
The atmosphere built steadily as kick-off approached. Families wandered the open spaces, though some noted teething issues with long queues and bottlenecks. Yet, the moment fans filtered into their seats, it became clear how much thought had gone into creating an arena capable of amplifying emotion. The acoustics turned the buzz of anticipation into a physical thrum, and when the first chants and songs began, the roar was spine-tingling.
One of the standout moments came when “There She Goes” echoed around the stands, now firmly adopted as an anthem linking Goodison’s farewell to a hopeful new chapter. It was a poignant nod to the past while setting the tone for the future. Moments later, the traditional roar for “Z-Cars” swept through the stadium, magnified by the 10,000 extra voices the new ground accommodates.
For many, this debut felt like the merging of modern comfort and timeless tradition. While Hill Dickinson Stadium boasts the sleek features of a 21st-century sporting venue, the heart of the experience remained unmistakably Evertonian – full of passion, pride, and that unique edge only this fanbase can bring.
A successful season cannot be guaranteed by a new home, as Everton’s mixed early results remind everyone. But what this move unquestionably brings is belief, renewal, and a sense that the club’s story is moving forward with purpose. Goodison Park will always be remembered as sacred ground, but Hill Dickinson Stadium is where Everton’s future will be written.
