Everton fans were treated to a sneak peek of their future home at Bramley-Moore Dock this week, as the Toffees’ Under-18s took on Wigan’s youth team in a friendly match. While the young players were hoping for a victory, the real star of the evening turned out to be the stadium’s offerings – including a wide range of food options that are expected to rival any Premier League ground.
A New Era for Everton Fans at Bramley-Moore Dock
At the heart of this transition, Everton is saying goodbye to Goodison Park, a stadium that has been the club’s home for over 130 years. As the team gears up for a new chapter at the £800 million, 52,888-seat “Everton Stadium,” the friendly match provided supporters with their first taste of what they can expect at their new home. The match between the Under-18 teams was part of a series of test events leading up to the official opening of the stadium, which will host top-flight football next season.
A Culinary Experience Worth Sharing
One of the most talked-about aspects of the test event was the food. With Michelin-starred culinary director Adam Bateman leading the charge, the stadium aims to elevate the food experience to a level worthy of social media attention. Bateman, who has worked at some of the world’s top restaurants, has described the goal as making the food “Instagrammable.” This vision has already gained attention from food accounts like ‘Footy Scran,’ which compared the food offerings at Bramley-Moore Dock to the current options at Goodison Park.
On the menu at the test event were items like salt and pepper chicken tenders, Korean sticky chicken, and a plant-based Korean sticky bowl. However, these gourmet options come at a premium, with the tenders priced at £9.50 and the mains at £10.50. For dessert, fans indulged in “The Toffee” doughnut, which cost £3.50. Social media users didn’t hold back in sharing their opinions, with one fan writing on X, “Was tasty that,” referring to the chicken dish, and another praising the doughnut while adding, “what a view.”
A Taste of Luxury at Everton’s New Home
The menu is a far cry from the more basic offerings at Goodison Park. For comparison, one post from 2023 showed a simple £4.50 cheese burger being sold at the old stadium, drawing comparisons to the higher-end options now available at the new ground. The event was also marked as an unofficial grand opening, with tickets priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions. In the coming weeks, more test events will be held, with the second set to allow up to 25,000 fans to watch an Under-21s friendly.
The Toffees Face Rivalry, But the Stadium’s Future Looks Bright
While fans were undoubtedly excited about the food and the stadium’s impressive features, the evening also had its share of drama. Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer, a Liverpool fan, struck first, scoring a neat goal that left Everton fans reeling. Rimmer, who had been with Wigan since the age of 11, celebrated by holding up six fingers to the crowd, a cheeky reference to Liverpool’s six European championships. The celebration added fuel to the rivalry, but despite the early setback, the event was a memorable occasion for all involved.
Looking Forward to the Future
With the final games at Goodison Park fast approaching, Everton fans will no doubt feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia. After a 134-year stay at Goodison, the move to Bramley-Moore Dock marks a significant milestone in the club’s history. Since construction began in 2021, the stadium has slowly come to life, with the final touches being made last year. As Everton continues its preparations, the upcoming test events will help the club secure the necessary licenses and safety certifications to make their new home ready for competitive matches. Fans are eagerly awaiting the official opening, knowing that their new stadium will offer more than just a football match – it will be a full experience.