adminEverton Football Club are preparing for a major Premier League showdown with Arsenal tomorrow evening, but much of the conversation among supporters has shifted toward their new £800m waterfront venue, Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The stadium has received widespread praise for its striking design, modern facilities, and the financial boost it is expected to bring to the club. With increased commercial potential, Everton hope the venue will help push them back into the world’s top 25 clubs in terms of revenue. However, despite those positives, a section of the fanbase remains unhappy with aspects of the matchday experience as the club transitions from the historic Goodison Park.
Many supporters say adjusting to the new home has not been easy. Complaints about the overall experience on matchdays have continued to surface, even as David Moyes’ side shows signs of progress on the pitch.
One of the main concerns raised by fans involves inconvenient kick-off times. A large number of Everton’s home games have been scheduled in the evening or late slots to accommodate television broadcasts. For supporters travelling long distances, this has created difficulties, with some season-ticket holders claiming they could miss up to seven or eight matches this season. The irregular scheduling has also made it harder for fans to establish a routine during the stadium’s first campaign.
Transport to and from the dockside location has also been a challenge. Limited public transport options after night matches have left some fans struggling to get home, with several supporters saying they feel forced to leave games early to avoid long journeys late at night.
Another frequent complaint centres around the stadium’s facilities, particularly the toilets. Supporters have reported long queues at half-time, partly due to the change from Goodison Park’s trough-style urinals to individual units, which many believe has created congestion. Fans have taken to online forums to criticise the setup, saying it makes it nearly impossible to use the restroom and buy refreshments during the short interval.
There have also been concerns about the atmosphere inside the stadium. Everton have won only five of their 16 league matches at the new ground so far, and some supporters believe the modern design does not generate the same intensity as the tight, intimidating environment of Goodison Park. Other frustrations include higher ticket prices, food choices, signage around the stadium, and a lingering emotional attachment to their former home.
Despite the criticism, the club continues to highlight the positives surrounding Hill Dickinson Stadium. The venue is set to host major events, including the 2026 Wings for Life World Run, and it has already been nominated for honours such as Best Football Club Stadium Experience at the Football Business Awards. Club officials also point to the significant commercial benefits the stadium brings as Everton aim to push toward European qualification.
One season-ticket holder captured the general mood among many fans, saying: “It’s a beautiful stadium, but it doesn’t feel like home yet. Winning helps, but the small frustrations add up.”
Everton currently sit eighth in the Premier League and recently secured a 2–0 victory over Burnley at the new ground. Moyes will be hoping for another strong performance against Arsenal at the Emirates, but resolving supporters’ concerns about Hill Dickinson Stadium remains an important task as the club works to turn its new venue into a true fortress.
COYB — and a positive result against Arsenal could help ease some of the tension off the pitch as well. ⚽
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