The Premier League Everton Stadium
Name: Everton Stadium
Location: Bramley-Moore Dock, Vauxhall, Liverpool
Owner: Everton
Capacity: 52,888
One of the most popular Premier League football clubs, Everton Football Club, known as the Toffees, is set to make a historic move from their beloved Goodison Park to a state-of-the-art stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in Vauxhall, Liverpool, England.
This move, scheduled for the 2024-25 season, represents a significant chapter in the club’s storied history.
So, today let’s dive into the planning, funding, and proposed features of the Everton Stadium, shedding light on what fans can expect from this exciting development.
Planning of the Stadium
The Premier League club Everton’s journey towards a new stadium has been a long and winding road. Goodison Park, the club’s home since 1892, has seen numerous updates, but by the early 2000s, it became evident that the stadium’s location and construction limited its capacity and potential. The Taylor Report’s requirement for all-seater stadiums further reduced Goodison’s capacity to around 39,000, lagging behind its neighbors.
The idea of a new stadium was first floated in 1996 when then-chairman Peter Johnson envisioned a 60,000-seater stadium. By 2001, a site at King’s Dock was earmarked for a 55,000-seater stadium, but funding issues scuttled the plans. Everton then explored Kirkby, Knowsley, as a potential location in 2006 but faced opposition.
In 2011, there were talks of placing Everton on a rapid transit Merseyrail line. Plans for a stadium in Walton Hall Park emerged in 2014 but were later abandoned. In 2017, Bramley-Moore Dock was identified as the preferred site.
Stadium Financing
The path to financing Everton Stadium has been a complex one. In 2017, Liverpool City Council, Everton FC, and Peel Holdings reached an agreement to acquire the dock for the stadium. A Special Purpose Vehicle company was established to secure funds. The current funding model, proposed in 2018, involved the council borrowing £280 million from the government and leasing the stadium to the club. The club still needed to find £220 million.
Options for funding included both the private and public sectors and possibly selling naming rights to a sponsor.
Stadium Features
Everton Stadium is set to be a modern marvel. With a proposed capacity of 52,888, it boasts a distinctive bowl design constructed of steel and glass. The dock itself will be filled with reclaimed sand from the River Mersey, a nod to the site’s maritime history.
One of the most striking features is the 13,000-seater stand, inspired by the famed “Yellow Wall” at Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion. This imposing stand promises to create an electrifying atmosphere during matches.
The stadium will also prioritize the fan experience with all, a concept designed to offer various social spaces, including pubs, bars, high-street style restaurants, and fine-dining experiences. This focus on creating a vibrant matchday atmosphere demonstrates Everton’s commitment to its supporters.
Conclusion
The construction of Everton Stadium represents a new era for Everton Football Club. Leaving behind the cherished Goodison Park, this move to Bramley-Moore Dock is a bold step towards a brighter future.
With a carefully planned design, a solid financial strategy, and a commitment to providing fans with a top-tier experience, the Everton Stadium is not just a new home for the Toffees; it’s a symbol of ambition and progress. As the 2024-25 season approaches, anticipation builds among fans eager to witness the club’s next chapter unfold in this magnificent stadium.
