Goodison Park

[Hibspur]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c753l17rgkdo

Thought this merited more than being added to the Hibs Women thread.

Quite a statement move for the women's game, although I'd have assumed the demolition and subsequent development of Goodison would have been a key part of the funding for the new stadium.

[Pagan Hibernia]

Wonderful news.

I have a big soft spot for Everton and that is one grand old stadium they are leaving. Great that it will remain in use as a football ground.

[Hibbyradge]

Incredible.

That land must be worth millions!

[Bridge hibs]

We can give Easter Road Stadium to our Womens team when we build our 70,000 seater floating Easter Dome between Leith docks and Inchkeith Island

[HH81]

Good news for the ladies team.

Looking forward to visiting their new stadium in November and have tickets. Looks a nice ground.

[Pretty Boy]

Goodison was always a ground I wanted to visit. Thought I had missed the chance but maybe not.

[Keith_M]

I must admit to being surprised, as I thought as well that the sale of the land would go toward the cost of the new stadium.

I've got no idea what size of crowds they get but they must be reasonably large if they've assessed that the income from the Women's team games at Goodison will be enough to maintain the stadium.

[The Harp]

Delighted to hear that Goodison will survive. My late Dad was a Scouser, and Everton fan, so I was raised on stories of Dixie Dean and Jimmy Dunn. The family moved to Edinburgh after the war, and he adopted Hibs as his team, but he never lost his affection for The Toffees. He will be happy up there tonight.

[Since90+2]

I might be cynical but I wonder how long it's been saved for. Could it be the land is expected to be worth quite a bit more a few years down the line if the economic climate is different?

[Ozyhibby]

I must admit to being surprised, as I thought as well that the sale of the land would go toward the cost of the new stadium.

I've got no idea what size of crowds they get but they must be reasonably large if they've assessed that the income from the Women's team games at Goodison will be enough to maintain the stadium.

Their average crowd is 2k so this makes no sense at all. The money spent maintaining this old stadium would be better put to use actually signing some decent players.


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[He's here!]

I must admit to being surprised, as I thought as well that the sale of the land would go toward the cost of the new stadium.

I've got no idea what size of crowds they get but they must be reasonably large if they've assessed that the income from the Women's team games at Goodison will be enough to maintain the stadium.

Their women's crowds won't be great right now as they're not one of the better teams but the new owner is a major fan of the women's game so he'll see potential there based on the crowds the likes of Arsenal women get. I think Goodison will also be home to Everton's age group sides so it will likely become a busy sports hub.

[He's here!]

Delighted to hear that Goodison will survive. My late Dad was a Scouser, and Everton fan, so I was raised on stories of Dixie Dean and Jimmy Dunn. The family moved to Edinburgh after the war, and he adopted Hibs as his team, but he never lost his affection for The Toffees. He will be happy up there tonight.

I had a season ticket there many years ago. Great old stadium. The people's club as Davie Moyes rightly described Everton 😉

[Paul1642]

I must admit to being surprised, as I thought as well that the sale of the land would go toward the cost of the new stadium.

I've got no idea what size of crowds they get but they must be reasonably large if they've assessed that the income from the Women's team games at Goodison will be enough to maintain the stadium.

When I last visited Liverpool, one thing I found surprising was the number of derelict buildings within a 15 minute walk or so of the city centre. Land which would definitely be snapped up in no time in Edinburgh for comparison.

A quick google brings up an article from a few years ago valuing the land of Goodson Park at £6 million, which is a drop in the ocean for their new stadium costs. That figure will have presumably gone up with inflation, however might not include the demolition costs.

[Hibspur]

Their average crowd is 2k so this makes no sense at all. The money spent maintaining this old stadium would be better put to use actually signing some decent players.


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The consortium which bought Everton are, I think, big players in the women's game globally so presumably they'll have a strategy in place to make this a success.

I know from being at one of their games that the Arsenal women's team attracts remarkable crowds (just checked and they average 26,000), while several of the others pull in five figure attendances depending on the game. And there's obviously the England women's team which have often filled Wembley. The potential's there for the women's game down south to get even bigger with the right investment. Sadly that's not really mirrored in Scotland at present.

[hibsbollah]

When I last visited Liverpool, one thing I found surprising was the number of derelict buildings within a 15 minute walk or so of the city centre. Land which would definitely be snapped up in no time in Edinburgh for comparison.

A quick google brings up an article from a few years ago valuing the land of Goodson Park at £6 million, which is a drop in the ocean for their new stadium costs. That figure will have presumably gone up with inflation, however might not include the demolition costs.

I felt the same spending more time in Glasgow recently. Lots of fenced up derelict sites in the city.

[IberianHibernian]

I `ve only been to Goodison Park once and it was about 45 years ago but I still remember it especially as there was a Hibs connection . Was an FA Cup tie against Arsenal . 2 v 0 for Everton , both goals scored by a teenage Joe McBride (Junior) . It was obvious he was going to go on to better things as he did when he joined us .

[Liberal Hibby]

I read the report as it would be the women's team home for 25/26. Is the commitment longer than that?

[He's here!]

I read the report as it would be the women's team home for 25/26. Is the commitment longer than that?

Permanent home for the women's team according to the club.

[Scouse Hibee]

Hard to believe this can be a long term plan, seems ridiculous, the women currently play in Walton Hall Park with a capacity of just over 2k. How the hell can they justify keeping a 40000 capacity stadium open for them?

[JimBHibees]

Hard to believe this can be a long term plan, seems ridiculous, the women currently play in Walton Hall Park with a capacity of just over 2k. How the hell can they justify keeping a 40000 capacity stadium open for them?

Seems an odd move that is for sure

[Paul1642]

Hard to believe this can be a long term plan, seems ridiculous, the women currently play in Walton Hall Park with a capacity of just over 2k. How the hell can they justify keeping a 40000 capacity stadium open for them?

Expects the land to increase in value by a meaningful amount making it better to hold for now?

Suits FFP in one way or another?

[green day]

Hard to believe this can be a long term plan, seems ridiculous, the women currently play in Walton Hall Park with a capacity of just over 2k. How the hell can they justify keeping a 40000 capacity stadium open for them?

Just heard on the radio that they will be making stadium adjustments - I expect they will cover up parts of the seating in order to make the capacity more appropriate for the crowds they get.

[LancashireHibby]

Just been talking to a lad at work who has a season ticket at Everton and is quite well connected

The thinking is that only the main stand and park end will be kept, and the rest will still be developed as housing and social projects as previously planned (scaled down, obviously)

Keeping the whole place open would cost them millions each year just to keep it ticking over

[NAE NOOKIE]

Goodison was always a ground I wanted to visit. Thought I had missed the chance but maybe not.

Been 3 times. Great atmosphere for 2 of the games, but I do remember the first time thinking it was a bit of a tip and that Easter Road was far superior ..... have to say I was a bit shocked on my 3rd visit when I sat in the main stand to discover the seating was something akin to wooden benches ... that wasn't yesterday and my ticket cost £40.

Bit annoyed they aren't knocking it down because I was looking forward to adding it to my 'no longer there' list of stadiums I've been to.

So far: Love Street, Kilbowie Park and Boghead ...... pretty sure there's folk on here who can do far better than that :greengrin

[Hibspur]

Hard to believe this can be a long term plan, seems ridiculous, the women currently play in Walton Hall Park with a capacity of just over 2k. How the hell can they justify keeping a 40000 capacity stadium open for them?


This Guardian report goes into a bit more detail on the plans. Definitely seen as a long-term home for the women's team and 'a blueprint for how clubs can build the future of the women's game':

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/may/13/goodison-park-saved-from-bulldozers-with-it-set-to-become-home-of-everton-women

[Logie Green]

Been 3 times. Great atmosphere for 2 of the games, but I do remember the first time thinking it was a bit of a tip and that Easter Road was far superior ..... have to say I was a bit shocked on my 3rd visit when I sat in the main stand to discover the seating was something akin to wooden benches ... that wasn't yesterday and my ticket cost £40.

Bit annoyed they aren't knocking it down because I was looking forward to adding it to my 'no longer there' list of stadiums I've been to.

So far: Love Street, Kilbowie Park and Boghead ...... pretty sure there's folk on here who can do far better than that :greengrin

I agree Goodison Park has seen better days but it’s a proper ‘old school’ ground and will no doubt be sadly missed by many Evertonians.

I’ve watched two games there and was surprised how loud it could be given it’s not the biggest of grounds. I’ve also done a stadium tour and some areas under the main stand feel quite cramped.

For many on here you could probably add the following old grounds Hibs have played at -

Bayview
Douglas Park
Muirton Park
Brockville
Broomfield
Annfield
Firs Park
Cathkin Park

Sadly we didn’t get the opportunity to add Tynecastle to the list. 😉

[nonshinyfinish]

Been 3 times. Great atmosphere for 2 of the games, but I do remember the first time thinking it was a bit of a tip and that Easter Road was far superior ..... have to say I was a bit shocked on my 3rd visit when I sat in the main stand to discover the seating was something akin to wooden benches ... that wasn't yesterday and my ticket cost £40.

Bit annoyed they aren't knocking it down because I was looking forward to adding it to my 'no longer there' list of stadiums I've been to.

So far: Love Street, Kilbowie Park and Boghead ...... pretty sure there's folk on here who can do far better than that :greengrin

My best one is the Vicente Calderón in Madrid

[NAE NOOKIE]

I agree Goodison Park has seen better days but it’s a proper ‘old school’ ground and will no doubt be sadly missed by many Evertonians.

I’ve watched two games there and was surprised how loud it could be given it’s not the biggest of grounds. I’ve also done a stadium tour and some areas under the main stand feel quite cramped.

For many on here you could probably add the following old grounds Hibs have played at -

Bayview
Douglas Park
Muirton Park
Brockville
Broomfield
Annfield
Firs Park
Cathkin Park

Sadly we didn’t get the opportunity to add Tynecastle to the list. 😉

I doubt they will miss it for long, the new place is truly magnificent inside and the architects have done the one thing so many have ignored over the years, that being to concentrate on it's acoustics to ensure it can match or better those of Goodison Park, by configuring the roof to be just above the seating decks and those decks to be at as steep a rake as the law allows.

The biggest issues seem to be a lack of suitable parking within a reasonable distance of the new stadium and the obvious stuff like traditional pubs and cafes now being outwith reasonable walking distance. Though to be fair, it must be like winning the lottery for whoever owns the 'Bramley Moor' pub directly opposite the stadium :greengrin

I can't say I'm a massive fan of the exterior of the stadium, to me it looks like aliens have landed a spaceship on top of a large Victorian factory. Though I am aware that the planning consent insisted the stadium fitted in with the surrounding tobacco warehouses and such, which is why the bottom half looks the way it does.

Even talking about this stuff makes me wish I was able to watch drone footage and videos of Hibs filling in the corners :greengrin

[Trinity Hibee]

Was reading how Archibald Leitch designed Goodison Park (and many other grounds around the UK). Does anyone know who constructed Easter Road back when stands were put up?

[lugz]

Having seen the reaction of the fans during the last game it got me thinking, I could never imagine us leaving ER. Yes we will improve it like we have stand by stand but id never want us to move away even if it was to some shiny new stadium.

[He's here!]

I doubt they will miss it for long, the new place is truly magnificent inside and the architects have done the one thing so many have ignored over the years, that being to concentrate on it's acoustics to ensure it can match or better those of Goodison Park, by configuring the roof to be just above the seating decks and those decks to be at as steep a rake as the law allows.

The biggest issues seem to be a lack of suitable parking within a reasonable distance of the new stadium and the obvious stuff like traditional pubs and cafes now being outwith reasonable walking distance. Though to be fair, it must be like winning the lottery for whoever owns the 'Bramley Moor' pub directly opposite the stadium :greengrin

I can't say I'm a massive fan of the exterior of the stadium, to me it looks like aliens have landed a spaceship on top of a large Victorian factory. Though I am aware that the planning consent insisted the stadium fitted in with the surrounding tobacco warehouses and such, which is why the bottom half looks the way it does.

Even talking about this stuff makes me wish I was able to watch drone footage and videos of Hibs filling in the corners :greengrin

I think it looks fantastic, but naming it the Hill Dickinson Stadium won't set the pulses racing.

[MartinfaePorty]

Was reading how Archibald Leitch designed Goodison Park (and many other grounds around the UK). Does anyone know who constructed Easter Road back when stands were put up?I seem to remember from Simon Inglis seminal work: 'The Football Grounds of Great Britain', that he wasn't sure who had designed it, but it could have been Leitch, as it bore similarities to other stadia he was responsible for.

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[SHODAN]

Having seen the reaction of the fans during the last game it got me thinking, I could never imagine us leaving ER. Yes we will improve it like we have stand by stand but id never want us to move away even if it was to some shiny new stadium.

I was born in Edinburgh but grew up in Tayside so don't really consider myself a native, and for that reason I wouldn't be too bothered by us moving to a new stadium, even one outside Leith. Totally get why most would be against it though.

[Pagan Hibernia]

I seem to remember from Simon Inglis seminal work: 'The Football Grounds of Great Britain', that he wasn't sure who had designed it, but it could have been Leitch, as it bore similarities to other stadia he was responsible for.

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That's a magnificent book.

My dad owns it. Last time I was home visiting him I took a picture of the last couple of paragraphs on the Easter Road Chapter. Poetic.

28822

[Trinity Hibee]

Having seen the reaction of the fans during the last game it got me thinking, I could never imagine us leaving ER. Yes we will improve it like we have stand by stand but id never want us to move away even if it was to some shiny new stadium.

Fully agree but who knows in future. As many Everton fans accepted, you can’t stop progress

[Hibspur]

I seem to remember from Simon Inglis seminal work: 'The Football Grounds of Great Britain', that he wasn't sure who had designed it, but it could have been Leitch, as it bore similarities to other stadia he was responsible for.

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Pretty certain the old main stand was a Leitch design. I've got Alan Lugton's triple-volume of Hibs books somewhere so it's probably detailed in there.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Pretty certain the old main stand was a Leitch design. I've got Alan Lugton's triple-volume of Hibs books somewhere so it's probably detailed in there.


it is

[Trinity Hibee]

it is

👍🏼

[CentreLine]

Pretty certain the old main stand was a Leitch design. I've got Alan Lugton's triple-volume of Hibs books somewhere so it's probably detailed in there.

Did Leitch get stiffed when hearts went bust around 1924 time?

[Kato]

Did Leitch get stiffed when hearts went bust around 1924 time?Did they go bust in 1924? Have only ever heard of them liquidating once around 1905.

Leitch and the Hearts board fell out due to the costs. They sacked him during the build and put a plaque up with the directors names. Only once Leitch was long gone did they start bragging that he built it. Described as one of Leitch's "lesser efforts".

Haven't read about it for a while but I'm sure they had a Russian financing them back then. History, eh.

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[blackpoolhibs]

Everton's new ground looks terrific, but getting in and out is a nightmare, and in the winter it will be bloody freezing 🥶🥶🥶

[Pretty Boy]

I doubt they will miss it for long, the new place is truly magnificent inside and the architects have done the one thing so many have ignored over the years, that being to concentrate on it's acoustics to ensure it can match or better those of Goodison Park, by configuring the roof to be just above the seating decks and those decks to be at as steep a rake as the law allows.

The biggest issues seem to be a lack of suitable parking within a reasonable distance of the new stadium and the obvious stuff like traditional pubs and cafes now being outwith reasonable walking distance. Though to be fair, it must be like winning the lottery for whoever owns the 'Bramley Moor' pub directly opposite the stadium :greengrin

I can't say I'm a massive fan of the exterior of the stadium, to me it looks like aliens have landed a spaceship on top of a large Victorian factory. Though I am aware that the planning consent insisted the stadium fitted in with the surrounding tobacco warehouses and such, which is why the bottom half looks the way it does.

Even talking about this stuff makes me wish I was able to watch drone footage and videos of Hibs filling in the corners :greengrin

I'm not sure if I have mentioned it on here before but the parent company of my work done part of the fit out for the hospitality at the new stadium (basically all tabletop items as well as kitchen equipment). They have spent millions on that alone.

Projections are they will turnover in the region of £2-2.5M every match day. By comparison Spurs are currently doing in the region of £5M a match day. A huge part of that is geared towards your fans who can pay a bit more as is the way of the game now but regular fans are being catered for as well with free to enter bar areas and the like. A shame for the businesses around Goodison which are sustained by the football crowds but the fans themselves will be well catered for.

It's crazy money really. It takes Hibs a year to turnover what Spurs do in 3 match days and that's all Hibs income not just stuff related to a match day. Poor Everton, it will take them twice as long😂

[CentreLine]

Did they go bust in 1924? Have only ever heard of them liquidating once around 1905.

Leitch and the Hearts board fell out due to the costs. They sacked him during the build and put a plaque up with the directors names. Only once Leitch was long gone did they start bragging that he built it. Described as one of Leitch's "lesser efforts".

Haven't read about it for a while but I'm sure they had a Russian financing them back then. History, eh.

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Ah! I may have slipped 20 years in there. Story is good 👍

[3pm]

I doubt they will miss it for long, the new place is truly magnificent inside and the architects have done the one thing so many have ignored over the years, that being to concentrate on it's acoustics to ensure it can match or better those of Goodison Park, by configuring the roof to be just above the seating decks and those decks to be at as steep a rake as the law allows.

The biggest issues seem to be a lack of suitable parking within a reasonable distance of the new stadium and the obvious stuff like traditional pubs and cafes now being outwith reasonable walking distance. Though to be fair, it must be like winning the lottery for whoever owns the 'Bramley Moor' pub directly opposite the stadium :greengrin

I can't say I'm a massive fan of the exterior of the stadium, to me it looks like aliens have landed a spaceship on top of a large Victorian factory. Though I am aware that the planning consent insisted the stadium fitted in with the surrounding tobacco warehouses and such, which is why the bottom half looks the way it does.

Even talking about this stuff makes me wish I was able to watch drone footage and videos of Hibs filling in the corners :greengrin

I did the tour last month. The story about the pub is just before the stadium wad announced, someone bought it for peanuts (I am sure he said £70K!) and they've now had an offer of £1.2m.

I am sure the numbers are incorrect but still a decent bit of business.

[Pagan Hibernia]

Did they go bust in 1924? Have only ever heard of them liquidating once around 1905.

Leitch and the Hearts board fell out due to the costs. They sacked him during the build and put a plaque up with the directors names. Only once Leitch was long gone did they start bragging that he built it. Described as one of Leitch's "lesser efforts".

Haven't read about it for a while but I'm sure they had a Russian financing them back then. History, eh.

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Happened a couple of times. They were wound up in the 1870s at some point too.

It happens. We have our wee 1892 interlude..