Everton fans will be allowed to break a strict Premier League rule as they say goodbye to Goodison Park on Sunday. The Toffees will play their final match at the iconic stadium against Southampton before moving into a new home on Bramley-Moore Dock.
English football supporters at professional clubs are not traditionally permitted to drink alcohol while in view of the pitch. But the law won’t be in place for the club’s post-match ceremony. Ticket holders will be allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages from hospitality, bars and kiosks around the ground after the final whistle.
After the midday fixture concludes, matchgoers will be allowed to buy alcohol until 2:45pm and take it to their seats, where they can watch the ‘End of an Era’ ceremony.
The ceremony will feature appearances from current and former players, live musical performances and highlights on the big screen of Goodison’s best moments.
In all, the show will last an hour and can be enjoyed by supporters with booze while sitting in their seats, a rare treat on their final trip to the stadium to watch David Moyes’ outfit.
Consumption of alcohol and food will be permitted within the stadium bowl from the full-time whistle until all bars – including hospitality – close at 2.45pm.
Before kick-off, the 1878s supporters’ group will stage a special coach welcome to create a passionate atmosphere as the players arrive at the stadium to take on an already-relegated Southampton.
Once the post-match event finishes, fans will be asked to leave the stadium. Merseyside Police have reminded the public that supporters without a ticket should not travel or congregate around the venue due to safety concerns on a significant day for the club.
Everton have also warned fans against ripping out their seats, a tradition that has been customary at such farewell matches elsewhere. They are set to be used when Everton Women move into Goodison.
After 133 years of hosting the men’s team, the women’s side are moving into the iconic venue from the 2025/26 season.
The club are planning upgrades to the stadium to ensure that it is in peak condition to welcome the women’s team, keeping Goodison a key part of the community. It will also host selected academy matches and expand Everton in the Community’s L4 campus.
With a capacity of 39,572, Goodison would become the largest dedicated women’s football stadium in the country. Though that figure is set to be reduced slightly amid necessary changes made over the summer.
It will mark a huge upgrade to the 2,200-capacity Walton Hall Park, which has hosted Everton Women since 2020.