Everton's new stadium, Hill Dickinson Stadium, is a magnificent venue, but it seems the team and fans are still struggling to find their footing. The transition from Goodison Park, their home for 133 years, has been a challenging journey.
David Moyes, the manager, has been reflecting on the reasons why Everton haven't quite settled into their new home. While wins would undoubtedly help, the team's record of only five victories in 16 matches at the new stadium is a concern. But here's where it gets controversial: the issue goes beyond just the results.
One dedicated fan, a season-ticket holder from the south of England, shared their frustration on social media. They anticipate missing several home games this season due to the modern fixture schedule, which often favors television broadcasts over fan convenience. This is a problem not unique to Everton, but it has certainly impacted their inaugural season at Hill Dickinson.
The scheduling of matches has been peculiar, with five consecutive Premier League home games taking place on weeknights. The last league game on a weekend was back in January, and the last 3pm Saturday kick-off was against Nottingham Forest in December. Coincidentally, this was also Everton's last home win in any competition. If the upcoming Merseyside derby and Manchester City's visit are moved for TV, as expected, Everton's first season at the new stadium will have an unusual balance of Monday night and Saturday afternoon kick-offs.
This schedule has consequences. It discourages children, the elderly, and fans from farther distances from attending matches regularly. The new bars near the stadium, which anticipated more weekend business, are also feeling the impact. However, there have been some improvements, like better street lighting and upgrades to the nearby train station, thanks to the local authorities.
Everton is actively seeking feedback from fans through "experience surveys" after each home game. The club has received overwhelmingly positive responses regarding the stadium, which is not surprising given the approximately £800 million investment to create a top-tier European venue. The feedback will guide changes and improvements, and the club has already implemented some measures, such as hiring more staff, installing additional kiosks to reduce queues, and improving access for disabled supporters. In fact, Everton now has the most disabled parking bays in the Premier League, surpassing even Manchester City.
The main criticism from fans and the advisory board has been the transport infrastructure around the stadium. The dockland site, with access limited to one side, was always going to present challenges. The high number of night-time matches has exacerbated traffic congestion for residents, businesses, and fans, creating a difficult situation for all.
However, the stadium's riverside location near the city center is a significant advantage, offering opportunities to transform the club's finances. Sponsorship deals with global brands like Pepsi and Budweiser are a massive commercial boost. Andrew Middleton, Everton's president of business operations, stated, "The club is on course to deliver its strongest annual commercial performance to date. The move to our new stadium has been a vital catalyst in that growth."
The stadium's success has attracted interest from clubs across Europe and South America, with delegations visiting to explore potential stadium moves. Even Milan, known for their iconic stadium, sought advice on transitioning.
Moyes acknowledges the unique challenges of the new stadium: "Goodison was intimate, with a narrow tunnel and bright lights. Here, it feels like a bigger space, and we're still adjusting. But our games are better this year, and our team is improving."
While Everton is making progress, Hill Dickinson Stadium hasn't quite become the fortress they envisioned. It's a process, and the club is working hard to create a home advantage. What do you think? Has Everton's new stadium lived up to expectations? Share your thoughts in the comments; we'd love to hear your perspective on this ongoing journey.
