An all-you-need-to-know guide for Everton supporters ahead of Goodison Park's final Premier League fixture against Southampton
Everton's high noon showdown with Southampton on Sunday promises to be a matchday like no other for Blues supporters as they prepare for the end of an era at Goodison Park. After 133 years at the first purpose-built football ground in England and the venue which has has hosted the most top flight matches, 'The Grand Old Lady' will be staging her final Premier League fixture.
Because of the magnitude of the occasion, several special measures will be taking place. To keep fans informed, here is an extensive guide to everything you need to know about the day.
BLUE IS THE COLOUR
Evertonians come together on Sunday for the final Premier League game to ever be staged at Goodison Park. The occasion promises to be an afternoon of celebration, and to ensure a colourful spectacle for all those attending, and the wider watching world, the club encourage all supporters to wear blue, and to help with this, and as a keepsake, all fans will be gifted a commemorative blue scarf, which will carry details of the historic fixture plus the significant moment in Goodison’s 133-year history.
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COACH WELCOME
Evertonians are being encouraged to line the streets around Goodison Park from 10am to greet the players ahead of Sunday’s historic clash with Southampton. The 1878s supporter group, working in collaboration with club officials and local authorities, are planning a coach welcome as a fitting send-off for the final home game of the 2024/25 season.
Click HERE to read more.
POST-MATCH SHOW
Following the final whistle, Evertonians will be asked to remain in the stands for a special on-pitch celebration that will include guest presenters, appearances from current and former players, live musical performances, and specially-curated big screen content that captures the spirit, memories and history of the stadium.
Once the match has ended, supporters will be able to purchase food and drink – including alcohol – on Goodison’s concourses and return to their seats to enjoy the show. Consumption of alcohol will be permitted in the stands in view of the pitch from the full-time whistle until all bars – including hospitality – close at 2.45pm.
The ‘End of an Era’ ceremony will last for approximately one hour, and when it finishes, all fans will be asked to leave the stadium. Click HERE for more details on the ceremony and HERE for more details on the presenters.
Please note: Alcohol is not permitted in the stadium seats before, or during Sunday’s match.
SUPPORTERS CODE OF CONDUCT
Supporters are asked to respect the property and safety of local residents and be mindful of the impacts of their behaviour on fellow fans, players, staff, and to allow those inside the stadium to fully participate in what will be a deeply significant day for the Everton family. Everyone attending is asked to remain vigilant at all times, trust their instincts and report anything that doesn’t feel right to security or the police. The club also reminds supporters that any unauthorised damage or removal of seats, fixtures or artefacts from the stadium may be treated as criminal damage.
In such cases, Season Tickets or Premium Memberships for Everton Stadium could be withdrawn. Season Ticket Members will have the option to purchase their Season Ticket seat and receive it in a specially-commissioned Goodison Park presentation box.
Click here for more information about this.
Everton remind supporters that all perpetrators of public order offences, which includes racist or discriminatory behaviour, pitch encroachment and the throwing of objects and/or the use of any form of pyrotechnics (including smoke grenades, smoke bombs/canisters and flares) will receive lengthy stadium bans, potential police investigation and further possible legal sanctions. If you witness any form of unsavoury or anti-social behaviour, harassment, or discrimination at a match, please report it.
This can be done by speaking to a club steward or a police officer, or by using Everton’s dedicated confidential reporting lines. Supporters can report any incidents to the Stadium Safety Team immediately by texting HELP and details of what has been witnessed and where to 84300, or by emailing reportit@evertonfc.com
Everton Football Club would like to thank all supporters for their continued loyalty, passion and understanding — and for coming together to give Goodison Park the send-off it so richly deserves.
MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
As Everton complete their historic set of collectable matchday programmes, a commemorative A4 edition featuring a host of exclusive content, is available now. This special commemorative edition costs £10 from sellers around the stadium, or by ordering online HERE
FAN ZONE
The Fan Zone will be open at the Park End of Goodison Park from 10am. The live show, commencing at 10.20am, will be hosted by Giulia Bould and there will be live music from The Jjohns.
Evertonian George Gallagher will also perform his track House of Bamboo, which featured in the BBC series This Is Our City. There will be plenty of other surprises, while fans can also look forward to specially-curated big screen content, including goals, match highlights and great Goodison moments chosen by Evertonians.
Please note: No pyrotechnics (smoke cannisters or flares) will be allowed in the Fan Zone.
ACCESSIBLE CAR PARKING AT GOODISON
The car parks will be open from 9.30am and supporters are encouraged to arrive as soon as possible. Please note: Goodison Road could be closed from 9am, due to the expected number of fans gathering ahead of the coach arrival.
All cars accessing the Goodison Road car park should access from the City Roadside. Access to Gwladys Street should not be affected.
HERITAGE SOCIETY AT ST LUKE’S
The Heritage Society’s matchday exhibition will be open upstairs in St Luke’s Church from 10am, where they will be hosting a special exhibition showcasing memorabilia, stories, and historical items telling the story of the club’s rich past. Take your chance to see rare Everton photographs and memorabilia and check out the various stalls selling t-shirts, prints, books, crafts and matchday programmes from down the years.
ROAD CLOSURES
Coach arrivals
Please note that all supporter coach arrivals for this game should access Priory Road from the Utting Avenue direction. Once past the car park they should drive down the left-hand lane to be parked up further down Priory Road. The BP garage remains open for business.
Access to Stanley Park car park
Cars should enter the car park off Utting Avenue only. All exits from the car park will be right turn only, back towards Utting Avenue.
DONATE TO FANS SUPPORTING FOODBANKS AND MULTIBANK
Fans Supporting Foodbanks and their purple vehicle will be in the Fan Zone all season on matchdays. They will be accessible from Goodison Road.
Match attending Blues are encouraged to donate non-perishable goods and a variety of dry products, such as rice or pasta, tinned foods (including tomatoes and tuna) or non-perishable packets such as breakfast cereals, biscuits, long life milk, coffee, tea, fruit juice, sugar, and snack bars. Toiletries and children’s nappies are also gratefully received.
SAFEGUARDING
Please note, the club has increased the age of minors needing adult supervision to 14. All fans under 14 should, therefore, be accompanied by an adult. Everton Football Club is committed to providing a positive, inclusive experience for all individuals who engage with the Everton family.
If you have a concern about your own safety or the safety or welfare of a child, young person or adult at risk, you can contact the club at safeguarding@evertonfc.com. For more information, visit www.evertonfc.com/club/safeguarding or click here for more on the FA’s Play Safe campaign.