Goodison Park is one of the oldest stadiums in English professional football — opened in 1892 — and was Everton's home for 133 years. Its wood-and-brick structure, terrace pillars and closeness of the seats to the pitch make it a classic-football temple. Its life cycle ended in 2025 with the move to Bramley-Moore Dock, but the legend is indelible.
History and architecture
Designed in its modern form by Archibald Leitch in the early 20th century, Goodison was the first major ground purpose-built for football. It has four covered stands and once held 78,299 people in 1948. Final capacity was 39,572. It was one of the few English grounds that kept visible terrace pillars, a signature image of post-war football.
Iconic moments
Goodison hosted five 1966 World Cup matches, including the legendary Portugal-North Korea semi-final with Eusébio. Here Dixie Dean scored his 60-goal season record (1927/28) and Everton won nine league titles and five FA Cups. Merseyside derbies against Liverpool have been an unbroken football-and-passion tradition since 1894.
Getting there and matchday tips
It sits in Walton, about 3 km from central Liverpool. Kirkdale train station (Northern line) is a 15-minute walk. Bus lines 19, 20 and 21 run from Queen Square. Residential parking is limited. The Winslow, The Blue House and The Brick are must-visit pre-match pubs, several of them iconic to the Toffee fanbase.
Where to sit and what to eat
The Gwladys Street End is Everton's noisiest stand, with the most recognisable chants. The Main Stand offers the best all-round view. Watch for pillars in some Bullens Road rows — check your seat has an unobstructed view. Concourse: meat pies, sausage rolls, chips and local beer. The area is packed with historic pubs.
