On a cold Monday night along the Mersey, Everton fans caught their first glimpse of the club’s dazzling new home at Bramley-Moore Dock. Despite the freezing weather, excitement and hope for a bright future filled the air as 10,000 lucky supporters attended an under-18s friendly against Wigan. This event marked a new chapter in Everton’s history as they prepare to fully transition to their state-of-the-art stadium for the 2025-26 season.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 17: In this aerial view fans arrive for the first ever game, a test match, at Bramley Moore Dock, the new home of Everton Football Club on February 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England. The friendly match between the Everton Under-18s and the Wigan Athletic Under-18s marks the first test event for Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool, with an expected 10,000 supporters in attendance. The stadium was completed late last year, and the first competitive fixture is scheduled to take place in August. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
1. A Monumental Structure: Blending Tradition with Modernity
The sheer scale of the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium is staggering. Towering over the Liverpool dock road, its steel framework and red-brick façade symbolize a perfect blend of old and new. In contrast to the hidden charm of Goodison Park, this colossal structure demands attention, offering a futuristic yet familiar design that nods to Everton’s storied past.
2. A Venue Rooted in History
The stadium’s construction, which cost over £750 million, transformed a once-active dockyard into a sporting masterpiece. The foundation involved filling the dock with 480,000 cubic meters of sand sourced from the Irish Sea, creating a solid base for the impressive 52,888-seat venue. Nods to history are everywhere, from the restored Victorian hydraulic tower to the incorporation of Archibald Leitch’s iconic latticework into the brickwork design, paying homage to Goodison Park.
3. Unparalleled Fan Experience
For this opening event, only the steep South Stand was accessible, designed to hold 14,000 spectators. Fans were treated to a wide range of food and beverage options—from classic pies to Korean sticky chicken and the iconic ‘Toffees doughnut,’ showcasing Everton’s blend of tradition and innovation. A stunning glass façade offered breathtaking views of Liverpool’s skyline, setting the scene for unforgettable matchdays.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 17: Fans arrive for the first ever game at Bramley Moore Dock, the new home of Everton Football Club on February 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England. The friendly match between the Everton Under-18s and the Wigan Athletic Under-18s marks the first test event for Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool, with an expected 10,000 supporters in attendance. The stadium was completed late last year, and the first competitive fixture is scheduled to take place in August. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
4. Echoes of Goodison and New Traditions
Despite the cutting-edge design, familiar touches remain. The players entered the pitch to the traditional Z-Cars theme, a cherished link to Goodison Park’s 50-year legacy. Massive screens and a powerful PA system added a modern edge to the atmosphere, ensuring every fan feels part of the action. Everton supporter Tom, attending with his son Elliott, expressed his excitement: “It’s a spine-tingling moment. Goodison was special, but it’s time to embrace the future.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 17: In this aerial view ans watch the first ever game at Bramley Moore Dock, the new home of Everton Football Club on February 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England. The friendly match between the Everton Under-18s and the Wigan Athletic Under-18s marks the first test event for Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool, with an expected 10,000 supporters in attendance. The stadium was completed late last year, and the first competitive fixture is scheduled to take place in August. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
With a 52,888-seat capacity, the stadium will be the seventh-largest in the Premier League and is set to host matches during Euro 2028. It is projected to inject £1.3 billion into the local economy, creating jobs and boosting tourism. Beyond football, the venue is expected to host concerts and community events, cementing its place as a cultural hub.
Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock is more than just a sports venue—it is a symbol of progress, pride, and possibility. As fans say a bittersweet goodbye to Goodison Park, they eagerly anticipate a future filled with unforgettable moments. This stunning stadium, deeply rooted in history and designed for the future, represents a bold step forward for Everton and their passionate supporters.