Everton’s move to their new stadium was supposed to mark a glorious new era, but instead, fans are feeling more like strangers in their own home. The £800 million Hill Dickinson Stadium, hailed as one of Europe’s finest, hasn’t quite become the fortress Everton envisioned. While the venue itself is stunning, a peculiar fixture schedule and logistical challenges have left supporters struggling to connect with their new surroundings. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the stadium—it’s about the experience, the routine, and the sense of belonging that’s still missing for many.
David Moyes has floated several theories about why the team hasn’t fully settled in yet, beyond the obvious strangeness of leaving Goodison Park after 133 years. Wins, of course, would help, but with only five victories in 16 matches, the team’s performance hasn’t exactly eased the transition. Fans are also grappling with a matchday routine that feels alien, particularly for those who live farther away. One season-ticket holder from the south of England recently shared on social media that they expect to miss nearly half of the home games this season due to the unforgiving modern fixture schedule. This isn’t an isolated case—it’s a growing issue across the league, but Everton’s inaugural season at their new home has been particularly brutal.
Take, for instance, the fact that Burnley’s visit on Tuesday will mark the fifth consecutive Premier League home game played on a weeknight. The last time Everton played a league match at home on a weekend was back in January. Their most recent 3 pm Saturday kickoff—a win against Nottingham Forest in December—feels like a distant memory. If the Merseyside derby in April and Manchester City’s visit in May are moved for TV (as expected), Everton will have had as many Monday 8 pm kick-offs as Saturday 3 pm starts this season—just three. But here’s where it gets controversial: while broadcasters benefit from these prime-time slots, fans—especially children, the elderly, and those traveling from afar—are left out in the cold. Even local businesses, like the new bars opposite the stadium, had banked on more weekend footfall, only to be met with midweek matches instead.
The club isn’t oblivious to these challenges. They’ve been gathering feedback through “experience surveys” after every home game, and the results are telling. While the stadium itself has received glowing reviews (no surprise, given its grandeur), the main criticism centers on the transport infrastructure. The dockland location, while picturesque and commercially lucrative, limits access to one side, causing traffic congestion for residents, businesses, and fans alike. Night-time matches only worsen the problem, with workers leaving Liverpool city centre just as road closures begin. Is it fair to prioritize commercial gains over fan accessibility? That’s a question worth debating.
On the flip side, the stadium’s riverside location has opened doors to unprecedented commercial opportunities. Sponsorship deals with global brands like Pepsi and Budweiser represent a massive leap for Everton, and the club is on track for its strongest annual commercial performance yet, according to Andrew Middleton, Everton’s president of business operations. The hydraulic tower, Budweiser Plaza, and premium areas are all being explored for additional revenue streams. The stadium has also become a sought-after venue for non-football events, hosting everything from rugby league’s Magic Weekend to international fixtures like Fiji vs. England and Scotland vs. Côte d’Ivoire. Even delegations from clubs across Europe and South America have visited to study Everton’s relocation strategy.
Operationally, the move has been a success, but emotionally, it’s a different story. As David Moyes puts it, Goodison Park had an intimacy—narrow tunnels, close crowds, a unique atmosphere—that the new stadium simply can’t replicate. “It feels like a bigger space here,” Moyes admits. “We’re still getting used to it, but I think our games are better this year.” But is bigger always better? And can a stadium ever truly replace the soul of Goodison Park?
Everton has made strides to improve the fan experience, hiring more staff, adding kiosks to reduce queues, and expanding disabled parking—now second only to Manchester City in the Premier League. Yet, some issues, like the long queues for men’s toilets in the South Stand, persist. The club is listening, but change takes time. For now, Hill Dickinson Stadium remains a work in progress—a stunning venue searching for its identity and the fortress-like spirit Everton so desperately craves.
What do you think? Is Everton’s new stadium a step forward or a step too far? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
