Everton Fans Mourn as Goodison Park Prepares for Final Season

LIVERPOOL, England — As the countdown to its final match continues, Everton Football Club is preparing to bid farewell to Goodison Park, a historic home for over 130 years, and fans like Alexandra Topping are reflecting on their treasured memories.

On a recent match day, Topping brought her nine-year-old son to Goodison Park for their first Everton match together, knowing that this iconic ground will soon be replaced by a modern stadium at Bramley-Moore dock. “It’s the sound of my childhood, the sound of my teens,” Topping shared. “At the end of this season, it will not be heard again.”

Goodison Park has been the site of countless memories for generations of fans. As Topping reminisced, she recalled the rush of excitement experienced when her father brought her to her very first game at just three years old. Though she cried the entire time, the experience did not deter her father. “Goodison was always a place where I felt safe,” she reflected, underscoring the deep connection fans have with the ground.

Established in 1892, Goodison Park is the oldest purpose-built football stadium in England. It has seen more top-flight matches than any other stadium in the country and holds a unique charm despite its age. “When places like Goodison turn off the lights, you lose a connection with the past,” said Rob Sawyer from the Everton Fans’ Forum. “You lose that historical connection. That thread is broken.”

Wednesday’s match against their fierce rivals marks the last derby under the lights at Goodison, evoking feelings of dread and sadness amongst Everton fans. “It’s a bittersweet moment,” Topping said. “While we look forward to the new stadium, leaving Goodison feels like losing a piece of our identity. It’s been our home, filled with memories of joy, sorrow, success, and loss.”

The upcoming move to a new, state-of-the-art facility capable of holding 52,888 supporters is expected to usher in a new era for the club, with economic benefits projected to reach £1.3 billion. However, for loyal fans, it cannot replace the nostalgic feelings associated with Goodison Park.

As Everton prepares for these changes, Topping’s experience at this final match resonates with many. Having instilled a love for football in her son, she felt it was important for him to experience a match at Goodison, despite his admiration for rival club Borussia Dortmund. “We made our way up the M6 to the ground, eager yet apprehensive about what this day would bring,” she recounted.

During the match, a moment of joy arrived as Abdoulaye Doucouré scored the fastest goal in Goodison’s history, just 10.18 seconds into the game. Topping’s son was instantly captivated and joined in chants of “Spirit of the Blues” as the team secured a 4-0 victory.

After the match, he reflected on the experience, saying, “That was one of the best days of my life.” Topping agreed, noting that even as they prepare to move on, the memories created at Goodison will remain cherished. “We will create new memories at the new stadium, but for now, let us grieve the Grand Old Lady as she closes this chapter,” she said.