Everton's new stadium, Hill Dickinson Stadium, has been a topic of discussion among fans, leaving many wondering when it will truly feel like home. While the magnificent venue is a sight to behold, the journey to making it a beloved home ground is proving to be a challenging one.
The Struggle for Comfort in a New Home
David Moyes, Everton's manager, has been pondering the reasons why his team hasn't quite settled into their new surroundings. Beyond the understandable strangeness of leaving Goodison Park after 133 years, there are other factors at play. Wins are crucial, but Everton has only managed five in 16 matches at their new home. Creating a new matchday routine and connection with the stadium is essential, but for many fans, this transition is proving to be incredibly difficult.
The Curse of the Modern Fixture Schedule
One dedicated season ticket holder, residing in the south of England, recently shared their frustration on social media. They anticipate missing seven or eight home games this season due to the demanding fixture schedule. This issue is not unique to them; Everton is aware that many fans face similar challenges. The problem extends beyond Everton, affecting fans of various clubs. The club benefits from games being switched for live television, but this also means that their games are often scheduled at odd times, making it harder for fans to attend.
A Peculiar Schedule
Burnley's visit on a Tuesday evening will be the fifth consecutive Premier League home game played on a weeknight. The last time Everton played a league game at home on a weekend was on January 4th. Their last traditional 3 pm Saturday home game was against Nottingham Forest on December 6th, which was also the last time they registered a home win. If the upcoming Merseyside derby and Manchester City's visit are moved for TV, as expected, Everton's first season at their new stadium will have an equal number of Monday 8 pm kick-offs and Saturday 3 pm starts - three of each.
This scheduling deters children, the elderly, and fans from afar, making it challenging for them to attend matches. Local businesses, such as the new bars opposite the stadium, had anticipated more weekend trade, but the weeknight games have impacted their plans.
Improvements and Challenges
Everton is actively seeking feedback from fans through "experience surveys" after every home game this season. The feedback on the stadium has been largely positive, which is to be expected given the club's investment of approximately £800 million to create a top-tier European venue. The club is using this feedback to make changes, such as hiring more staff, installing additional kiosks to reduce queues, and improving access for disabled supporters. Everton now has the most disabled parking bays in the Premier League, surpassing even Manchester City.
However, the main criticism from fans and the Fan Advisory Board revolves around the transport infrastructure around Hill Dickinson Stadium. The dockland site, accessible from only one side, was always going to present challenges. The high number of night-time matches has exacerbated traffic congestion for residents, businesses, and fans, with workers leaving the city centre just as road closures begin.
The Appeal and Opportunities
Despite these challenges, the stadium's riverside location near the city centre is a significant draw. It has generated exciting opportunities that are transforming the club's finances. Sponsorship deals with global brands like Pepsi and Budweiser are a massive commercial boost for Everton. Andrew Middleton, Everton's first 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."
Everton is exploring various commercial opportunities, including utilizing the hydraulic tower and enhancing the Budweiser Plaza experience. They are also focusing on evolving their premium areas to further elevate the stadium's appeal.
A Hub for Sporting Events
The success of hosting events like the rugby league Ashes Test and the upcoming Super League's Magic Weekend has raised the stadium's profile and revenue. Other sporting events, such as rugby union matches and women's football, are also scheduled, attracting attention and generating income. The operational success of Everton's relocation has even caught the eye of clubs from the Premier League, Championship, and Bundesliga, with delegations visiting Hill Dickinson Stadium to explore potential stadium moves.
A Work in Progress
David Moyes acknowledges the unique challenges of Hill Dickinson Stadium for opposing teams, noting the differences from Goodison Park. While he believes Everton's games and team are better this year, the stadium has yet to become the fortress they desire. The journey to making Hill Dickinson Stadium feel like home is ongoing, and it will take time and effort to create a truly iconic and beloved venue.
Thoughts and Opinions?
What are your thoughts on Everton's new stadium and the challenges they face? Do you think they'll eventually make it feel like home? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
