The 1878s group is planning the first of its incredible displays at Hill Dickinson Stadium for the visit of Arsenal
Fans will show off the banners at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Fans will show off the banners at Hill Dickinson Stadium(Image: Getty Images)
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Everton’s home game with Arsenal will be a first for Hill Dickinson Stadium with the 1878s set to host their first display.
The eyes of the world will turn to the club’s new home, with the Liverpool waterfront now set to host title-chasing Arsenal under the lights in the final game before Christmas.
The combination of the timing - the match will kick-off at 8pm - and the work of the influential supporters group is set to create a special atmosphere for David Moyes and his players.
The 1878s were responsible for a series of special moments in the final years of Goodison Park. Volunteers repeatedly created stunning scenes in the stands of the Grand Old Lady as they celebrated the iconic stadium’s history and players past and present.
They were also central to the organisation of valuable rallying cries as the team fought against relegation from the Premier League, including some of the raucous coach welcomes that inspired the Blues to pull the club from the brink of catastrophe.
Those responsible are yet to turn their attention to the new stadium, largely because of just how big it is. Banners and flags that looked imperious in the Gwladys Street are now overwhelmed by the huge stands of Hill Dickinson.
That has required a change in approach that has taken time to put in place, with fundraising efforts to help make much bigger banners having been held over recent months. Now, the group believes it is moving towards its first show - with the Arsenal game, controversially moved amid concerns over the Gunners’ fixture schedule, now set for the Saturday night. It will be shown by Sky Sports.
Confirming their landmark plans, the 1878s said: “Our first display at our new home will be under the lights versus Arsenal on the 20th December. Thank you to Everton and to everyone who has donated for making this possible.
“We will be looking for volunteers to help in the Upper and Lower South stand on the night. Full details/instructions will be given at a later date but for now please DM us and let us know if you are available to help. Let’s make it feel like home.”