Goodison Park has proudly served as the home of Everton Football Club since 1892, making it a historic venue unparalleled in hosting top-flight football in England. Today marks a poignant moment, as the men’s team plays its final match at this iconic ground, affectionately known to fans as the “grand old lady.”
As anticipation builds ahead of the game against Southampton, many supporters are reflecting on their cherished memories associated with Goodison Park. Groups of fans gathered outside the 39,414-seat stadium, eager to secure last-minute tickets or participate in some of the final stadium tours for the season.
Among those on a tour was Rachel, who reminisced about witnessing Everton’s remarkable achievements, including their FA Cup victory in 1995 against Manchester United. “It’s an emotional place,” Rachel shared. “Goodison, even on bad days, it’s a place to be. It’s just everything we do and everything we believe. Goodison’s always been there.”
Rachel’s passion for the club is deeply rooted; she boasts tattoos celebrating Everton, including the club’s Latin motto, “Nil Satis Nisi Optimum,” which translates to “nothing but the best is good enough.” Her devotion is also shaped by family legacy, as her parents are interred near Anfield Cemetery, providing a poignant connection.
Inside the ground, preparations for the farewell match were in full swing, with players’ shirts ready in the dressing room and groundskeepers meticulously caring for the pitch. Known for its electric atmosphere—especially during fiercely contested derbies against local rivals Liverpool—Goodison Park holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Former Everton player Graham Stuart, who enjoyed a fruitful tenure at the club from 1993 to 1997, described the unique environment: “It’s an incredible atmosphere. You need a bit of steel about you to play at Goodison Park; the fans will tell you if you’re not playing well, but they’ll also give you a chance and back you all the way.”
Alongside Graham, other Everton legends, including Peter Reid, are present for the match, reflecting the deep ties former players have to this historic venue. A short distance away, the Winslow Inn, a pub predating the stadium itself, has also prepared for the day. Its manager, lifelong Everton fan Dave Bond, shared his mixed emotions about the farewell: “It’ll be a joyous occasion, but at the very end, it’s going to be absolutely heartbreaking for so many people.”
Looking to the future, Everton’s new stadium, located at Bramley Moore Dock and set to be named Hill Dickinson Stadium after a local law firm, signifies a new chapter. With the Winslow Inn planning to maintain connections to the fan experience by offering shuttle services to matches at the new ground, there is hope that the transition will honor the rich history of Goodison Park while ushering in an exciting future.
Goodison Park will soon become the home for Everton’s women’s team, establishing it as the largest dedicated women’s football stadium in the UK, a move that promises to continue the legacy of this revered venue in a new and empowering way for women’s sports.