Everton Football Club has announced that its new home at Bramley-Moore Dock will be named the Hill Dickinson Stadium. This decision follows a naming rights agreement with Hill Dickinson, a commercial law firm with deep roots in Liverpool, dating back to its founding in 1810. The firm has since grown into an international presence, expanding across Europe and Asia.
The move to secure a high-profile naming rights partner for the club’s £800 million stadium has been in progress for some time. Everton had aimed to align with a blue-chip company to reflect the ambition of their waterfront development. Though specific financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed, the club has described it as “one of the largest stadium naming rights deals in Europe,” estimated to be worth around £10 million annually.
Previously, Everton had a naming rights agreement option with USM, the holding company of Alisher Usmanov. That £30 million deal granted exclusive rights but was terminated in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as the club cut all commercial ties with Usmanov’s businesses.
The final men’s home game at Goodison Park will take place on Sunday, marking the end of an era for a stadium steeped in tradition and emotional history for fans. The shift to Bramley-Moore Dock represents a significant milestone in the club’s modernisation efforts, yet it also comes with concerns about preserving Everton’s community-centric identity.
In response to these concerns, the club’s manager emphasised the need to embrace the future while staying connected to the club’s roots. He acknowledged that while the sport continues to evolve with substantial financial investment and commercial influence, clubs must strike a balance between growth and community values.
He referenced how the game has changed, noting how terms like the “prawn sandwich brigade” once sparked controversy, but now reflect a growing commercial reality in football. He stressed that although Everton needs to progress with improved facilities and a modern stadium experience, the essence of the club its loyal fanbase and community spirit must remain intact. He expressed hope that the new stadium will continue to welcome the same passionate supporters, while potentially attracting new faces as well.
The manager acknowledged that while the move away from Goodison Park is necessary, the emotional ties to the old ground are significant. The importance of honouring the legacy of Goodison, while embracing a new era, is a delicate transition the club is keen to manage with sensitivity and respect for its supporters.
In addition to the stadium announcement, it was confirmed that long-serving club captain Séamus Coleman will remain with the team next season. Despite a challenging campaign marked by injury and limited playing time having started only one Premier League match the 36-year-old will stay on a playing contract. The manager cited Coleman’s leadership qualities and influence in the dressing room as invaluable assets, stating that his presence would continue to play an important role even if his on-field contributions are limited.
Further decisions regarding player contracts and the future squad composition are expected in the lead-up to the final match at Goodison. As Everton prepares to close one chapter and open another, the focus remains on ensuring the club’s proud heritage is carried forward into its next era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
