Everton have finally completed their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock after four years.
After four years and an eye-watering £800 million, Everton’s long-awaited new stadium has finally opened its doors at Bramley-Moore Dock.
What was once an abandoned body of water, littered with unexploded World War II shells, has now transformed into a state-of-the-art 52,888-seat footballing fortress on the banks of the River Mersey.
The Guardian reports that on its opening night, 10,000 lucky Evertonians were welcomed to a test event featuring a friendly match between Everton’s and Wigan’s under-18 teams.
Everton’s and Wigan’s under-18 was the first match at Bramley-Moore Dock | Getty
It was a historic moment, despite Everton losing 2-1.
Fans witnessed Demi Akarakiri kick the first ball at the stadium, while Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer made history by scoring the first-ever goal at the ground.
Teenager Ray Robert became the first Everton player to score at the new ground | BBC
Architect Dan Meis, who first revealed plans for the stadium in July 2019, has created a visually stunning, futuristic venue.
The South Stand, home to 14,000 passionate Everton fans, offers a spectacular view of the Liverpool city skyline, and the facilities are world-class.
Everton new stadium Bramley-Moore Dock | Getty
Unlike Goodison Park, there are no obstructed views, and the concourses are spacious, with plenty of refreshment kiosks and toilets.
Everton’s long road to Bramley-Moore Dock
Everton new stadium Bramley-Moore Dock | Getty
Everton’s journey to their new home has been anything but smooth. Two failed stadium projects at King’s Dock and Kirkby, plus another scrapped proposal at Walton Hall Park, delayed progress for years.
But under former owner Farhad Moshiri, the club finally settled on Bramley-Moore Dock in 2021.
The project, which almost financially crippled the club, saw £55 million spent on preserving historic features like the original dock walls, railway tracks, and the Grade II-listed hydraulic tower.
Remarkably, the dock was filled with 480,000 cubic metres of sand from the Irish Sea—but not before two porpoises were safely guided out.
While Everton fans will mourn the loss of Goodison Park, the new stadium is set to bring in 1.4 million visitors annually, create 15,000 jobs, and contribute £1.3 billion to the UK economy.
As the club prepares to relocate next season, in all likelihood as a Premier League side under David Moyes, Everton have ushered in a bold new era for themselves and the Merseyside.
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