Everton supporter organisation the 1878s have big plans for the upcoming Arsenal game
A general view before the Premier League match between Everton and Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
A general view before the Premier League match between Everton and Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
View Image
Every single supporter in Hill Dickinson Stadium’s imposing south stand will have a role to play in the first major display at Everton’s new ground. That is the message from influential Blues fan group the 1878s, the organisation behind so many of the incredible scenes that celebrated the final season at Goodison Park.
For months, the outfit has been raising funds and plotting out how to take their flags and banners into the club’s new home in a way that will ramp up the atmosphere - a challenge given the scale and size of the stands in contrast to those at Goodison.
Work is now intensifying ahead of the match against Arsenal later this month, when they will take over the waterfront venue for the first time.
In the group’s latest announcement ahead of the 8pm kick-off on Saturday, December 20, the 1878s revealed plans for every supporter in the south stand that night to play a role in a match that will be broadcast around the world.
In order to help pull it off, they are asking anyone with a seat in that part of the ground that night to be in attendance by 7.45pm.
The group said: “For our first display at our new home, all 15,000 seats in the south stand, including the upper, lower, south east corner and the south west corner will all have a sheet on their seat.
“We are asking all fans attending to please be in their seats 15 minutes before KO.
“For this to look as great as possible for the players walking out, we need everyone to join in with holding the sheets up to make this our best tifo display yet.
“Some of our flags will also be included in the display, too. We are looking forward to starting our displays on the Mersey in this way, with full flag displays to also follow in the new year.”
The 1878s dressed Goodison to perfection in her final months as home of the men’s team.
The group also played a leading role in creating fervent atmospheres as the club faced relegations battles, and reacted to the points deductions dished out on behalf of the Premier League, through recent turbulent years.
For the latest Everton FCnews and breaking news, visithttps://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/everton-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @LivEchoEFC - the official Liverpool ECHO Everton Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoEFC - your must-see RFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Royal Blue' wherever you get your podcasts.
Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters on Evertonby clicking here.