Goodison Park

Goodison Park carries over 130 years of football history and its story is inseparable from the development of Everton F.C. and English football as a whole.

Construction and opening

The ground was built and officially opened in 1892, after Everton F.C. vacated Anfield — which was subsequently taken over by the newly formed Liverpool F.C. Goodison Park was designed by Archibald Leitch, the foremost British stadium architect of his era, whose work can be found at a number of the British Isles' most historic football grounds. It is considered the first stadium in England designed and built solely for football, rather than converted from a cricket ground or athletics track. The inaugural ceremony attracted an audience of over 12,000 spectators.

Major renovations

The stadium underwent progressive development throughout the first half of the 20th century, with covered stands erected and capacity expanded. Significant modernisation followed in the 1960s and 1970s. Following the Hillsborough disaster of 1989 and the subsequent Taylor Report, Goodison Park was fully converted to an all-seated venue — terracing was removed and seating installed throughout the ground. Further structural improvements were completed during the 1990s, after which the stadium's character remained broadly unchanged until its final season as the first-team home.

Notable moments

Goodison Park served as a venue for the 1966 FIFA World Cup, hosting three group-stage matches and a quarter-final. Among them was the famous North Korea 1–0 Italy upset — one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history. The ground also hosted the 1910 FA Cup Final between Newcastle United and Barnsley. It staged England international fixtures across multiple decades. After 133 consecutive seasons as Everton's home, the final first-team match at Goodison Park was played in 2025, marking the end of one of the longest club-stadium associations in football history.

Goodison Park was for generations one of the most intimidating venues in English football — the nickname Fortress Goodison was well earned by its passionate and knowledgeable crowd.

Fan culture

Everton F.C. supporters — known as The Toffees or The Blues — represent one of England's most traditional football communities. The club's fan base has historically drawn from Liverpool's working-class population, for whom Everton represented a multigenerational community institution rather than a brand. The Gwladys Street End was long the spiritual home of the noisiest supporters, generating chants and choreographies that resonated throughout the ground. Everton's identity is firmly rooted in authenticity and neighbourhood belonging — a conscious counterpoint to the globally marketed profile of their Merseyside rivals. The club's motto, Nil Satis Nisi Optimum ('nothing but the best is good enough'), speaks to a fierce local pride.

Big matches

The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool is one of the oldest and most intensely contested rivalries in English football; home editions at Goodison Park were always among the most charged occasions in the calendar. On the world stage, the 1966 World Cup matches brought Goodison to international attention, most memorably the North Korea vs. Italy shock result. Everton's First Division title victories in 1963 and 1970, and their FA Cup win in 1966, were celebrated at Goodison Park. The club's dominant run in European competition during the 1980s brought UEFA Cup Winners' Cup nights that rank among the stadium's finest atmospheres.

Visiting Goodison Park today is primarily a heritage experience — following Everton's move in 2025, the ground now hosts women's football and guided tours for football history enthusiasts.

How to get there

• By train: Liverpool Lime Street is the main city-centre station; from there take a bus or taxi, approximately 20 minutes north to Walton
• By Merseyrail: Kirkdale station on the Northern Line is roughly a 10-minute walk from the stadium
• By bus: Liverpool's bus network serves Walton with regular routes from the city centre
• By car: street parking is available in surrounding residential streets; on matchdays restrictions apply and early arrival is advised

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Everton Women matches are available through the club's official website. Most fixtures have capacity to spare; high-profile derbies may require advance booking. Guided heritage tours of the stadium are offered, taking in the historic architecture, changing rooms, and memorabilia — booking details are available on the official Everton F.C. website. Goodison Park is recognised as part of England's sporting heritage and features original Archibald Leitch structural details.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: at least 30-45 minutes before kick-off or tour start time
• Weather: Liverpool is a wind-exposed and frequently rainy city — layered clothing and a waterproof jacket are strongly recommended
• Anfield nearby: Liverpool F.C.'s Anfield stadium is approximately 800 metres away — both grounds can realistically be visited on the same day
• Local hospitality: traditional pubs and cafes in the Walton neighbourhood provide classic pre- and post-match stops favoured by supporters for decades