Everton supporters will bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park this weekend – and will be allowed to break a strict English football rule.
Sunday’s Premier League match between Everton and Southampton will be the final one for the men’s team at Goodison, their home since 1892.
Next season, the Merseyside club move to a brand new £800million, 52,888 capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
It’s not the end of Goodison Park itself however, as while the plan was for it to be demolished, it was announced recently that it will become the home for the Everton women’s team.
Nevertheless, it will be an incredibly emotional day for the Toffees and given the occasion, fans will be allowed to do something that has been outlawed at English football stadiums for 40 years.
Following full-time, fans have been encouraged to stay for an ‘End of an Era’ show, which will celebrate the history of Goodison and give the iconic ground the send-off it deserves.
And notably, supporters will be allowed to bring alcoholic drinks into the stands as they watch the show.
Drinking alcohol in the stands has been banned in England’s top five divisions since 1985, a measure introduced to curb hooliganism.
While normal rules will apply before and during the match, fans will able to purchase food and drink and bring it to their seats until 2.45pm, around 45 minutes after the game is expected to finish.
Everton say the End of an Era show will last around one hour and feature ‘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.’
Everton vs Southampton kick-off time and how to watch on TV
Everton vs Southampton will kick-off at 12pm on Sunday, May 18.
The Premier League match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and streamed live on discovery+, with coverage beginning at 11am.
While there will be a raucous atmosphere, the game itself is of little consequence, with Southampton already condemned to last place and relegation to the Championship.
Everton, rejuvenated since the return of manager David Moyes in January, cannot finish higher than 13th but, naturally, will be desperate to go out on a high at Goodison.
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