New Everton Stadium - Hill Dickinson Stadium

[RobYoung]

To my eyes, looking all round the ground the fans are too far away from the pitch, I know it was a known expectation of the new ground despite Dan Meis always saying they'll keep the fans as close as possible to the pitch - but it has to be said it is very noticeable compared to Goodison whether viewed at the match itself or on the telly, there just seems to be a 'barrier' of space and salad between the players and the stands that was not there at Goodison, a level of connection and intimacy has been lost.

That being said it is still a fantastic new ground but much more work needs to be done to Evertonify/Goodisonify it, our statues need to be relocated - I have a feeling Goodison will not be there for very long judging by the womens game attendances. EFC and Everton need to be in big letters on the seats, yes they can only be seen when it is empty but still needs to be done.

I think the actual distance to the pitch for the front rows is closer then it was at Goodison. Especially the Park End was further back.
Camera angle makes it look different and the front rows at older grounds used to be 'dug in'.

I believe the steepness of the South Stand is a big issue. Old terrace where shallow, sometimes ridiculously so. But, that would make you stand out less when chanting or, let's be honest, hurl abuse. It's just uncomfortable now and awkward when you're even to talk for a barrier in front of you. Just looks and feels wrong.

As for painting the whole place blue... Emirates, St Mary's and the Amex were all bare concrete when they opened.
Look at the now. It will happen but it will take some time.

 

[RobYoung]

Was at the game on Wednesday night, came down from Glasgow, so a tourist fan if you like!
Was surprised at the section that has been laid out for opposition support, seems like a prime spot and helps the away support to be seen and heard, which in turn must give the visiting team a boost, don't know if it's the logistics of having them there is easier to police but would think it would be better having them higher up and out of the way?
Went into one of the old warehouse bars that have been set up across from stadium, loads of Wolves fans inside and absolutely no problems but it does make you wonder what could kick off at certain games, also as has been said about both sets leaving at same time has obvious concerns?

Premier League rules say that the away sections must touch pitch level.

For some ridiculous reason Newcastle United have been exempt for this for years now.
No fan group one ever seems to question this.

Sunderland now as well. We used to be behind the goal on the other side - I remember madly celebrating Tim Cahill's last minute winner there.

It is also why at Man City the away sections is weirdly split over 3 tiers - surely they can teach Newcastle United how to handle away fans?

I can't see a better alternative for where we put the away section.

 

[Leylo]

On way to the ground hope we don't get stuck at the entrance earlier kick off won't help.. feels like we're a load of sheep waiting to go in another field .. anyway COYB

 

[Amw79]

Looking glorious today in the crisp winter sun.

 

[Rich1878]

Looking glorious today in the crisp winter sun.

One of my mates, who's a Mackem, has travelled up on a coach.

I've guided him a little, and they are buzzing.

They went to the terrace bar for a couple, saying our fans are class, then they got pics, then headed over to the west stand for more pics

 

[dannyboy]

Think Newcastle have got it right tbh.

Expect the games that might be seen as a potential risk for trouble will see the away suport held back for 30 mins after match.
Definitely felt that the getting through exits at outer wall was a very obvious bottleneck and should be carefully monitored.

I used to think that but over time I've changed my mind. I think it's right the away fans are close to the pitch - it's such a big part of English football it takes away from the game putting them in the clouds.

 

[Vagner Love]

Such a fine stadium is wasted on this group of players and manager

 

[Drico]

Such a fine stadium is wasted on this group of players and manager

And owners.

 

[Johnniepk]

Bars in North stand closed at full time. No refreshments before extra time

 

[laudo9]

I used to think that but over time I've changed my mind. I think it's right the away fans are close to the pitch - it's such a big part of English football it takes away from the game putting them in the clouds.

Yeah, I get it adds to the atmosphere at a ground having both sets of support being seen and heard,just think it's a bit like having the away dressing room a bit more cramped and basic, don't let the sods get too comfortable when they visit!!

 

[laudo9]

Premier League rules say that the away sections must touch pitch level.

For some ridiculous reason Newcastle United have been exempt for this for years now.
No fan group one ever seems to question this.

Sunderland now as well. We used to be behind the goal on the other side - I remember madly celebrating Tim Cahill's last minute winner there.

It is also why at Man City the away sections is weirdly split over 3 tiers - surely they can teach Newcastle United how to handle away fans?

I can't see a better alternative for where we put the away section.

Yeah weird why Newcastle and Sunderland get away with not complying if that's the rule, probably more to do with policing/stewarding as to why it's where it is at Everton.

 

[BullensRoad]

One of my mates, who's a Mackem, has travelled up on a coach.

I've guided him a little, and they are buzzing.

They went to the terrace bar for a couple, saying our fans are class, then they got pics, then headed over to the west stand for more pics View attachment 339552

Sunderland fans are always welcome.

 

[Simo]

Looking forward to the stadium tour end of the month...are you allowed to boo in the dressing room .
Should have a couple of new players in by then

 

[Lob]

The complete opposite of a fortress.

 

[RFUS]

One of my mates, who's a Mackem, has travelled up on a coach.

I've guided him a little, and they are buzzing.

They went to the terrace bar for a couple, saying our fans are class, then they got pics, then headed over to the west stand for more pics View attachment 339552

Think we all wish Sunderland fans a great time before and after a game. I just wish the two hours in between weren't as enjoyable. Feels like the away fans are having a great time at the HD of late whilst we are left wishing the UFO-like top of the stadium would lift off and blast half our team into space.