The ECHO takes a look at the changes to the Grand Old Lady as a new matchday experience awaits the thousands set to watch Everton Women start their new life at the famous stadium
Everton Women will make history at the weekend when Brian Sorensen's side steps onto the hallowed turf of Goodison Park. The Grand Old Lady will host its first game as the new offical home of the women's team, a landmark occasion for the club.
The decision to retain the famous ground beyond the move of the men's team to Hill Dickinson Stadium marked a statement of ambition over the future of Everton Women, one that will begin to be realised when Tottenham Hotspur visit on Sunday.
Thousands are expected for the match - which will come seven days after a stunning 4-1 thrashing of Liverpool at Anfield in the opening game of the Blues' Women's Super League campaign - and the hope is many more will decide to join them between now and kick-off.
Ahead of a new milestone for an old favourite, the ECHO takes a look at what those heading Goodison can expect from a much-changed matchday experience...
Motivational quotes in stands
The biggest difference will simply be how the place looks. Internally, there are new changing rooms and a new tunnel but externally the changes are obvious.
Huge screens cover parts of the seating that will not be in use, mixing blue and pink and carrying quotes designed to inspire.
'Welcome to Goodison Park, the home of Everton Women' is the message that will greet the players as they emerge from the tunnel, while another sign reads: 'The name lives on'.
You can also see the impact of the seat-selling scheme through which the club provided supporters with the chance to buy their seats. Thousands took up the offer - and in some areas work to replace them is already underway.
Alcohol in seats
One major change for those who head to L4 is that, unlike when watching David Moyes' men's side, supporters will be able to drink alcohol in their seats.
Everton Women are part of a WSL pilot programme that will trial the experience, with beer, wine, cider, prosecco and canned and bottled spirits and cocktails all set to be made available. They can be bought from kiosks and within the Goodison fan zone.
There will be an alcohol-free family area in The Enclosure, which sits between the Park End and home dugout. The pilot scheme is only applicable for league games, so supporters will not be able to drink in their seats in the FA Cup.
Video games, balloon artists and face painting
Meanwhile, there will be a far different experience on offer inside and outside the ground, with activities and entertainment geared towards families.
Outside the stadium, the fan zone will feature a mobile gaming unit carrying consoles and games. There will be music and team news on the fan zone stage, while face painting will also be available.
Inside Goodison, DJ and Evertonian Ash Wozza will provide the entertainment alongside live vocal and guitar music on the concourse with Ben Helm. Face painters and balloon artists will also be on hand in the ground through the afternoon.
Revamped food options
Ahead of the opening of Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton signed a deal with global stadium supplier Aramark - which became the club’s official culinary experiences partner.
The relationship has stretched across to Goodison and they will provide food and drink across the stands with options ranging from sausage rolls, wraps and popcorn to sticky Korean chicken and a new Everton Women’s doughnut.
Hospitality
Hospitality packages are available for Everton Women matches with bespoke offerings having been created to mark the shift in teams calling Goodison home.
What was the Dixie Dean Suite has been renamed the Leasowe Pacific Lounge in a nod to the club’s past. It was as Leasowe Pacific that the club won the Women's FA Cup back in 1989. They were rebranded as Everton Ladies in 1995. Packages include a matchday ‘bottomless brunch’ style experience.