Everton’s £750m Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium Welcomes Fans for the First Time, Ushering in a New Era of Football and Tradition
A freezing Monday night on the banks of the Mersey couldn’t dampen the excitement as Everton’s long-awaited new stadium welcomed 10,000 lucky fans. Selected through a ballot, these supporters witnessed an under-18s friendly against Wigan at the state-of-the-art Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
Four years in the making and with a price tag exceeding £750 million, the stadium is set to become Everton’s new home for the 2025-2026 season.
Bigger And Bolder
Approaching the stadium along Liverpool’s dock road, its sheer scale is striking. Unlike Goodison Park, nestled among Victorian terraces, Bramley-Moore Dock commands attention. A fusion of steel and red brick, it merges the old with the new, creating a futuristic yet historic feel.
The nearby Bramley Moore pub thrived with pre-match excitement, Elton John’s I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues booming through the speakers.
“It’s out of this world,” said Andy, a long-time season-ticket holder set to make the move next season. “It’ll be tough leaving Goodison, but this is the envy of everyone.”
From Dock To Historical Stadium
Once a working dock, the site was transformed over three and a half years. A dredger made 130 round-trips into the Irish Sea to collect 480,000 cubic meters of sand, forming a solid foundation for the stadium.
The 52,888-seat venue will be the Premier League’s seventh-largest and is set to host matches during Euro 2028. The project is expected to inject £1.3 billion into the local economy.
Throughout the stadium, Everton’s past are evident. Restored railroad tracks and the Grade II-listed Victorian hydraulic tower stand proudly. The latticework design of architect Archibald Leitch, still present at Goodison Park, is subtly integrated into the brickwork.
First Goals, First Memories
The moment fans had been waiting for arrived as they climbed the steps to witness their team’s future home in action.
“It’s spine-tingling,” said Tom, a new season-ticket holder, standing beside his son Elliott. “Goodison was special, but it’s time to move forward.”
The stadium’s steep gradient brings fans closer to the action, amplifying the atmosphere. With two giant TV screens and a powerful PA system, the noise could be heard across the Mersey.
Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer etched his name into history, scoring the first goal at the new ground. A Liverpool fan, he cheekily held up six fingers in reference to Liverpool’s six Champions League titles. Wigan’s Cole Simms doubled the lead before Everton’s 16-year-old Ray Robert converted a late penalty.
But for Everton fans, the score was secondary. The night was about the experience—a memory that will last a lifetime.
“It’s breathtaking,” said Dave, another Goodison veteran making the move. “Goodison was home, but this is next-level.”
Concerns Over Transport
Despite the excitement, some fans faced challenges traveling to the stadium, particularly at Sandhills railway station, the closest stop to the ground. Overcrowding on the platform raised safety concerns.
A spokesperson for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) acknowledged the concerns, stating,
“Test events like this help identify improvements for smoother and safer matchdays.”
Officials plan to review the queuing system, modeled after those used for events like the Grand National, and make necessary adjustments.
A Bright Future for Everton
While logistical concerns remain, the overwhelming reaction to the new stadium has been positive. With its blend of tradition and modernity, The stadium is set to redefine the matchday experience for Everton fans, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the club.
Join our Channel...