A New Era for Everton: The Opening of Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium
A select group of passionate Evertonians experienced a taste of a promising new chapter as the magnificent £800 million stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock opened its doors for the very first time. Despite the team facing defeat, the fans left the venue with their spirits high.
More than two decades have passed since Everton abandoned plans to relocate to the nearby King’s Dock, which now hosts the M&S Bank Arena. Finally, the club has unveiled the waterside stadium that its supporters have long desired. A crowd of 10,000, including representatives from the new ownership group, The Friedkin Group, witnessed the under-18s take on their Wigan counterparts in the inaugural test event.
Excitement in the Air
It took only 12 minutes for young talent Harrison Rimmer to make his mark, scoring the first goal at the new ground. Rimmer, who had recently netted a goal in a 4-0 triumph against Fleetwood at their Poolfoot Farm training facility, couldn’t resist celebrating his moment of glory by holding up six fingers, a playful nod to Liverpool’s six Champions League titles.
Shortly thereafter, Cole Simms added to the visitors’ tally, ensuring their 2-1 victory, despite Ray Roberts converting a late penalty for Everton. Nevertheless, the overwhelming sentiment among the attendees was one of happiness simply to be part of this historic occasion, regardless of the result.
Fan Reactions
“The stadium is absolutely superb. The views are breathtaking. It’s everything a fan could wish for. Everton is back!” exclaimed Steve Davis, a devoted season ticket holder since 1974.
Bill Friday, who has been a fan since 1961, shared his excitement, stating, “This place will become iconic. It’s everything any football supporter could imagine—I just hope to see a trophy lifted here because it truly deserves it.”
Rob Halligan expressed even greater optimism, proclaiming, “I’ve held a season ticket since 1995, when we won the FA Cup, and since then we’ve won nothing. But mark my words, the first season in this incredible stadium, we are going to win the FA Cup!”
A Vibrant Community
As fans flocked towards the sleek, futuristic stadium, many passed by the Bramley Moore pub, which has stood proudly across the road from the historic old dock wall since 1758. The pub has experienced a noticeable increase in visitors, thanks to the construction project that has revitalized the previously quiet Regent Road. With the season set to kick off in August, the pub is poised to become a bustling hub, especially given its proximity—just a Jordan Pickford goal-kick away—from the new stadium.
The anticipation surrounding the new venue is not just about football; it symbolizes a broader regeneration of what was once a largely derelict area. There have been several near misses and missed opportunities since the club first contemplated leaving Goodison Park, their home since 1892.
The Journey to Bramley-Moore Dock
- Plans to create a new stadium by the River Mersey were abandoned in 2003 due to financial constraints, with the club unable to secure the £30 million needed for a share of a £125 million project.
- In 2009, the government rejected controversial proposals for a 50,000-seat stadium in Kirkby.
- A potential site in Walton Hall Park was identified in 2016, but opposition caused the idea to be shelved.
Finally, construction began on the current site in the summer of 2021, culminating in its completion in December.
Next season, assuming Everton maintains its current position well above the relegation zone, the 52,888-capacity stadium will rank as the seventh largest in the Premier League. Additionally, it has been selected to host matches during Euro 2028.
The project not only represents a new chapter for Everton but is also set to contribute an estimated £1.3 billion to the UK economy and create 15,000 jobs, marking a significant step forward for the community and the club alike.
