Wednesday, 11 Dec 2024

Goodison Park: Everton FC

Goodison Park, the iconic home ground of Everton Football Club, holds a rich history. It has stood since 1892, making it one of the oldest purpose-built football stadiums in the world. As affectionately known by Everton fans, the “Grand Old Lady” has witnessed more top-flight games than any other stadium in England.

Located just a short distance from the home stadium of Everton’s city rivals, Liverpool Football Club, Goodison Park has hosted the maximum number of league games since the introduction of the Premier League in 1992. Its historic grounds have also witnessed the FA Cup final and the 1966 World Cup semi-final between West Germany and the Soviet Union.

Stats

Here are some key statistics about Goodison Park:

  • Year Opened: 1892
  • Capacity: 39,414
  • Average Attendance: 39,237
  • Record Attendance: 78,299 (Everton v Liverpool in 1948)
  • Pitch Size: 100 x 68 (6,800)
  • Nickname: The Grand Old Lady
  • Owner: The Everton Football Club Company

Everton has a long and distinguished history as well:

  • Year Founded: 1878
  • Nicknames: The Blues, The Toffees, The People’s Club
  • Club Mascot: Changy the Elephant
  • Rivals: Liverpool, Manchester United, Tranmere Rovers
  • Previous Stadiums: Anfield
  • Kit: Blue and White (Home) / Pink and Black (Away) / Yellow (Third)
  • Training Ground: Finch Farm
  • Shirt Sponsor: Stake.com
  • Team Owner: Farhad Moshiri
  • Record Goalscorer: Dixie Dean (383)
  • Record Appearances: Neville Southall (750)

Goodison Park Photos

![Goodison Park Photos](insert image link here)

Goodison Park Seating Plan and Where to Sit

Goodison Park is a traditional 4-sided stadium situated close to the pitch, creating an intimate and intimidating atmosphere. The four stands at Goodison are:

  • The Bullens Road Stand – This stand houses away supporters and has a current capacity of 10,546.
  • The Howard Kendall Gwladys Street Stand – Located behind the goal, this stand accommodates Everton’s most loyal and vocal fans. It has a capacity of 10,611 and is named after the club’s successful former manager, Howard Kendall.
  • The Goodison Road Stand – Known for the church located between it and the Gwladys Street Stand, this stand has two decks with two tiers on the lower deck. It also includes the Main Stand, which houses the family enclosure and Everton’s hospitality facilities. The current capacity is 12,664.
  • The Sir Philip Carter Park Stand – Previously known as The Park End and backing onto Stanley Park, this single-tiered stand has the lowest capacity of 5,750. It was renamed in honor of the club’s former chairman.

Everton Ticket Prices

Tickets for matches at Goodison Park are among the most affordable in the Premier League. While tickets for more prestigious matches, like the Merseyside derby, may be in higher demand, tickets are usually available until just before kick-off. The pricing structure is simple and includes concessions for different age groups. Here are the lowest and highest prices for adults, concessions, and juniors:

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League Games

  • Adults: £40.00 – £50.00
  • Concessions: All tickets £35.00
  • Juniors: £15.00 – £25.00

How To Get Everton Tickets

To purchase Everton tickets, you have several options. You can visit the Movin993 website and sign up to buy tickets online or call the ticket line. Alternatively, you can buy tickets in person at Goodison Park, the Everton Two shop in Liverpool One shopping complex, or at the Ticketquarter.

The box office operates from Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm (4pm for in-person visits) and from 10am to 3pm on non-match Saturdays (or until kick-off on match days).

Getting To Goodison Park

Although Goodison Park is not located in the city center, it is easily accessible by various means of transportation. Here are some options:

  • Train: The nearest national station is Liverpool Lime Street, while Kirkdale station on Merseyrail’s Northern line is about a mile from the stadium.
  • Taxi: A taxi ride from Lime Street Station to Goodison Park takes around 10 minutes and costs approximately £7, depending on traffic.
  • Car: If traveling by car, you can take the M6, junction 26, to the M58 and then join the M57. Exit at junction 7 and take the A580. If coming from the East, take the M62 to the M57 at junction 6 and proceed on the A59. If coming from the West, take the M53 and go through the Mersey tunnel, following the signs to the ground.
  • Bus: Various bus routes, such as 19/19A, 20, 21, 130, 210, and 250, run from Liverpool city center to Goodison Park. The Soccerbus also operates between Sandhills station and the stadium.
  • Air: Liverpool John Lennon Airport is approximately 11 miles from Goodison Park. You can take a bus to Liverpool South Parkway bus/rail interchange and then either catch a bus to the ground or take the train to Sandhills, where you can connect with the Soccerbus. A taxi from the airport to the stadium costs around £20.

Parking Near Goodison Park

Parking options include Stanley Park, which is near the ground, or on-street parking within a short walk. However, on-street parking fills up quickly, so it’s advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transportation.

![Map showing available parking near Goodison Park](insert image link here)

Useful Resources

Goodison Park Hotels

Liverpool is a vibrant city with a rich history and numerous attractions. If you’re planning to stay overnight, here are some recommended hotels:

![Image of recommended hotels near Goodison Park](insert image link here)

Pubs and Bars Near Goodison Park

Renowned for its nightlife, Liverpool offers a myriad of pubs and bars. Here are some popular options near Goodison Park:

  • Pub 1
  • Pub 2
  • Pub 3
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Facilities

Goodison Park provides top-end facilities, ensuring an enjoyable matchday experience. Within the stadium concourses, you’ll find kiosks serving refreshments such as pints, pies, and hot dogs. Additionally, there are bookmakers’ huts to cater to betting enthusiasts.

Everton also boasts a club shop, offering a wide range of merchandise. While there is a shop located within the stadium, there is also a megastore just a short walk away. For a smaller selection, visit The Toffee Shop located within Goodison Park.

Prices

  • Programme: £4
  • Pie: £3.90
  • Cup of tea: £2.30
  • Beer: £4.55

Hospitality

Everton offers award-winning hospitality packages that can enhance your Goodison Park experience. In addition to executive boxes, there are various lounges where you can soak up the atmosphere. Here are some popular hospitality options:

  • The People’s Club: This casual package allows you to enjoy a meal and drinks with fellow Everton fans. You can wear your replica shirt and soak up the pre-match atmosphere before taking your seat in the Park End Stand.
  • The Dave Hickson Private Dining Package: This premium package includes exclusive benefits such as a full-page advert in the matchday program, advertising board exposure, champagne, a 3-course meal, and the opportunity to meet multiple Everton legends. It also features a stadium tour before the game.
  • The 1878 Brasserie: This intimate and exclusive option requires a dress code. It includes a glass of Champagne on arrival, a top-notch three-course meal, waiter service, executive seating in the Main Stand, and other amenities.
  • Joe Mercer Suite: Known as “The Joe,” this lounge replicates the atmosphere of a local pub. You can purchase pub food and enjoy a cash bar. During the match, you’ll have a seat in the director’s box.
  • The ’85 Lounge: Dedicated to Everton’s most successful team, this package offers a four-course meal, cash bar, and the chance to meet the Man of the Match. The dress code is smart casual, with no club shirts. You’ll also have a seat in the director’s box.
  • The Dixie Dean Suite: Named after Everton’s legendary player, this package provides a six-course meal, all-inclusive drinks, and a luxury seat on the halfway line in the director’s box. The dress code is formal, requiring a shirt, tie, and jacket.

There are additional lounges and restaurants available at Goodison Park, which require seasonal membership.

Private Hire

Goodison Park offers the perfect venue for special occasions, including weddings, birthdays, conferences, and even funerals. The Everton private hire team can provide suitable lounges and executive boxes based on your specific needs.

Stadium Tours & Museum

With over 120 years of history, Goodison Park is a treasure trove of football heritage. Stadium tours are a must for any football enthusiast visiting Liverpool. Please note that tours must be pre-booked and are not available on match days or the afternoon before home fixtures.

The behind-the-scenes tour grants access to the dressing rooms, tunnel, and pitch-side areas, including the famous Goodison dugout. Tours last around 75 minutes. For an even more exclusive experience, you can opt for the Legends tour, hosted by an ex-Everton player on Thursday evenings. Prices for regular tours are £23.50 for adults, £20 for concessions, and £15 for those aged 16 and under.

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The Legends tour offers additional benefits, including a Q&A session with three former Everton players, photo and autograph opportunities, inclusive drinks and refreshments in a hospitality lounge, an Everton-themed gift, and a 10% discount in the Club megastore.

About Everton

Despite the recent trophy drought, Everton remains one of the best-supported clubs in England with a rich and storied history. The Blues have competed in the top flight of English football for a record 112 seasons, spending only four seasons in the second tier. Although they hold the record for the most defeats in top-flight history during the 2016-2017 season, Everton has also enjoyed success.

The club has won the First Division title nine times, the FA Cup five times, the Charity Shield nine times, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup once. Many former Everton players have gone on to successful careers in club management. Traditions, such as the “toffee lady” distributing toffees to the crowd before kick-off, remain part of Everton’s matchday experience.

Goodison Park History

Goodison Park was built in a residential area and holds the distinction of hosting more top-flight games than any other ground in the country. The stadium has not only hosted the FA Cup but also witnessed numerous international matches, including games from the 1966 World Cup Finals.

Initially, Everton played at Anfield, now home to their fierce rivals Liverpool Football Club. During their time at Anfield, Everton introduced goal nets to professional football. A rent dispute with the ground’s owner prompted the club to build their own stadium, located near Goodison Road, giving rise to the name “Goodison Park.”

Future Developments

Everton’s current chairman, Bill Kenwright, has expressed a desire to move away from Goodison Park to a new, state-of-the-art stadium. However, some fans are reluctant to leave their beloved historic ground. Plans for a new 52,000-seater stadium at Bramley Moore Dock were unveiled in 2019. The club aims to involve fans in the stadium design, capacity decisions, and other considerations to ensure their satisfaction and ownership of the new stadium. The old Goodison Park site is expected to be redeveloped into a multi-use space, including housing and commercial units.

FAQs

Coming Soon

Conclusion

Goodison Park, the historic home of Everton FC, stands as a testament to the club’s enduring legacy. With its rich history, passionate fans, and affordable ticket prices, Goodison Park offers an exceptional matchday experience. As Everton looks towards a future home at Bramley Moore Dock, fans can continue to cherish the memories created at the Grand Old Lady.