Everton’s move to their gleaming new stadium was supposed to mark a new era of success and connection for the club and its fans. But here’s the harsh reality: despite the grandeur of the Hill Dickinson Stadium, many supporters feel like strangers in their own home. After 133 years at Goodison Park, the transition hasn’t been seamless, and it’s not just about nostalgia. David Moyes points to a lack of wins—only five in 16 matches—as a key factor, but the issue runs deeper. The matchday experience, once a cherished ritual, has been disrupted by a peculiar fixture schedule that seems determined to keep fans away.
And this is the part most people miss: the modern football calendar, with its relentless focus on television broadcasts, has left Everton with a string of weeknight games that alienate families, elderly fans, and those who travel from afar. Take the season-ticket holder from southern England, for instance, who expects to miss nearly half of the home games this season due to inconvenient scheduling. It’s a problem that’s not unique to Everton, but it’s been amplified in their inaugural season at the new stadium. The last time Everton secured a home win was against Nottingham Forest on December 6th—a Saturday 3pm kickoff, a rarity in their current schedule. If the Merseyside derby and Manchester City’s visit are moved for TV, as expected, Everton will have played as many Monday night games as traditional Saturday afternoon fixtures.
The impact extends beyond the stands. Local businesses, like the new bars opposite the stadium, had hoped for bustling weekend crowds, only to find themselves quiet on matchdays. Even the improved street lighting along Regent Road and upgrades to Sandhills train station can’t fully offset the challenges. Everton’s ‘experience surveys’ reveal overwhelmingly positive feedback about the stadium itself—a £800m investment that’s undeniably impressive—but the transport infrastructure remains a sore point. The dockland location, while picturesque, limits access and exacerbates traffic congestion, especially during night games.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while fans grapple with these logistical hurdles, the club is reaping significant commercial rewards. The riverside location has attracted global sponsors like Pepsi and Budweiser, and the stadium is hosting high-profile events, from rugby league Ashes Tests to World Cup qualifiers. Andrew Middleton, Everton’s president of business operations, boasts of the club’s strongest commercial performance to date. Yet, for all the financial gains, the question lingers: has the focus on commercial success come at the expense of the matchday experience for loyal fans?
The stadium’s operational success has even drawn interest from clubs across Europe and South America, with AC Milan recently visiting to learn from Everton’s transition. But as David Moyes reflects, leaving behind a place like Goodison Park—with its narrow tunnel, electric atmosphere, and intimate connection to the fans—is no small feat. ‘This feels like a bigger space,’ he admits, ‘but we’re still adjusting.’
So, while Everton’s games may be ‘better’ this year, Hill Dickinson Stadium hasn’t yet become the fortress the club and its fans crave. Is it a matter of time, or has something essential been lost in the move? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
