Fans of Everton granted exception to adhere to special protocol during Goodison Park departure ceremony
Goodbye to Goodison, the Toffees' Home Since 1892,...But With a Twist
This weekend, Everton fans will bid their emotional farewell to Goodison Park, a ground that has been the club's home for well over a century. The fans will do so while breaking a strict rule - they will be able to drink alcohol in the stands and consume it while viewing the pitch.
The historic ground won't be demolished, as the Everton Women's team will instead use it, preserving one of the best venues in the country[1]. The final match, between Everton and Southampton, is set to be a massive party, a bitter-sweet goodbye to the iconic stadium.
The Premier League has made an exception for the Toffees, allowing this one-time relaxation of the rules[2]. The kiosks and bars inside the stadium will sell alcohol from before the game until 2:45 PM. An 'End of an Era' ceremony will take place before the game, featuring famous players from Everton's past, live music, and replays of memorable moments at the ground[2]. A special welcome will also be given to the current team[2].
David Moyes, Everton's manager, spoke about the departure from Goodison, expressing his excitement about the upcoming move and reminiscing about some of his most cherished memories at the stadium[3]. Among those memories, he fondly recalls his first game, where David Unsworth scored after just 25 seconds, giving Moyes a great start to his career, and Duncan Ferguson's goal against Manchester United in the 2003/04 season, which secured their Champions League qualification[3].
As fans gather to say goodbye to Goodison Park, they will have the rare opportunity to raise a glass to this legendary ground, one last time[2][3].
Everton vs Southampton: talkSPORT coverage
The Premier League match between Everton and Southampton will take place on Sunday, May 18, with kick-off scheduled for 12 PM[3]. talkSPORT will provide live and exclusive coverage from Merseyside, with Adrian Durham serving as your host[3]. Commentary will come from Nigel Adderley and former Republic of Ireland international Andy Townsend[3].
To tune in to talkSPORT, simply follow this link for the live stream or listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker, or on 1089 or 1053 AM[3].
[1] Everton Women to use Goodison Park
[2] Everton make late U-turn on plans to demolish 132-year stadium after 'in-depth review'
[3] Why there are no Premier League games this Saturday amid drastic fixture schedule change
- Despite the impending departure from Goodison Park, Everton's final match against Southampton will be a memorable European-leagues style event, with an 'End of an Era' ceremony, live music, and replays of memorable moments.
- The Premier League has made an exception for Everton, allowing alcohol sales in the stands during the match as a unique twist for the farewell to Goodison Park.
- Everton's manager, David Moyes, has expressed his excitement about the move and reminisced about his cherished memories at Goodison Park, including his first game and Duncan Ferguson's goal against Manchester United in the 2003/04 season.
- Fans will have a rare opportunity to raise a glass to Goodison Park one last time during the Everton vs Southampton match this Sunday, which will be broadcasted live and exclusively by talkSPORT.
- Everton and Southampton's match will be broadcasted on talkSPORT, with Adrian Durham as the host, Nigel Adderley providing commentary, and former Republic of Ireland international Andy Townsend contributing to the coverage.
