Everton’s long-awaited stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock makes its debut, with 10,000 fans attending a test event

Less than four years ago, Bramley-Moore Dock lay abandoned, a forgotten relic of Liverpool’s past. Twelve unexploded anti-aircraft shells from World War II still lurked in its depths. Fast forward to today, and a state-of-the-art 52,888-seat stadium now stands proudly on the River Mersey, marking a new era for Everton Football Club.

Everton’s journey to a new home has been long and fraught with setbacks. The club endured failed proposals at King’s Dock, Kirkby, and Walton Hall Park before securing this historic waterfront location under Farhad Moshiri’s ownership. Finally, after £800m, years of meticulous planning, and a painstaking construction process, Everton Stadium has opened its doors.

Sunday night saw the first-ever test event at the stadium, where 10,000 lucky Evertonians attended a friendly between the club’s and Wigan’s under-18s. The match itself, though a mere footnote in history, held immense significance. Everton’s Demi Akarakiri had the honour of kicking the first ball, while Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer netted the first goal in a 2-1 defeat for the home side.

Despite the scoreline, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd filled the vast South Stand, a towering 14,000-seat bank set to be Everton’s fortress next season. The panoramic views of Liverpool’s skyline from the stadium are breathtaking, and the facilities set a new benchmark—spacious concourses, modern refreshment kiosks, and ample toilets. This is a far cry from the upper Gwladys Street at Goodison Park.

Everton must complete two more test events before they secure full licensing for their new home. The next matches will see the entire stadium open, with crowds of 25,000 and then near-full capacity before the club’s official relocation next season. Everton remains hopeful they will begin life on their new ground as a Premier League club—a possibility that seemed far from certain before David Moyes returned as manager last month.

Beyond football, the stadium is set to become an economic powerhouse. It is projected to attract 1.4 million visitors annually, create 15,000 jobs, and generate £1.3bn for the UK economy. The ambitious project also preserved key historical elements of the dock, including its original walls, railway tracks, and the Grade II-listed hydraulic tower, which now forms part of a 17,000-capacity outdoor plaza.

However, the stadium’s grand opening has not been without controversy. Liverpool City Council has enforced stringent parking restrictions within a 30-minute walk of the stadium—365 days a year. The move has angered local businesses and residents, with over 7,000 people signing a petition demanding the restrictions be scrapped. Furthermore, the newly designated fanzone at Sandhills train station has been ridiculed as little more than a patch of tarmac with safety rails.

Despite these logistical headaches, Everton’s achievement is undeniable. The club has delivered a world-class stadium that not only transforms the team’s future but also plays a pivotal role in regenerating north Liverpool. The emotional farewell to Goodison Park will be bittersweet, but as Evertonians catch a glimpse of their stunning new home, it is clear that this is a move worth celebrating.