The History of Goodison Park
Few football grounds can match the history, significance and character of Goodison Park. For well over a century, Everton supporters walked up Goodison Road to what became known as The Grand Old Lady, a stadium that witnessed league titles, FA Cup triumphs, World Cup football and generations of unforgettable players.
Although Everton have now moved to a new era, Goodison Park remains one of the most important stadiums in football history and forever occupies a special place in the hearts of Blues supporters.
Why Everton Left Anfield
One of the most remarkable facts in English football history is that Everton played at Anfield before Liverpool existed.
The club played at Anfield between 1884 and 1892 before a dispute with landlord John Houlding led Everton's directors to seek a new home. The club acquired land on the other side of Stanley Park and began work on what would become Goodison Park. Houlding was left with an empty stadium and subsequently formed Liverpool FC.
In many ways, the modern Merseyside rivalry was born from Everton's move to Goodison Park.
England's First Purpose-Built Football Stadium
Goodison Park opened in 1892 and quickly became one of the most advanced football venues in the country. It is widely recognised as the first major purpose-built football stadium in England.
The ground developed rapidly in its early years and became a model for stadium design across Britain.
That pioneering spirit is one of the reasons Everton remains one of the most historic clubs in English football.
Archibald Leitch and The Grand Old Lady
Like Hillsborough, Roker Park and the Baseball Ground, Goodison Park benefited from the work of legendary stadium architect Archibald Leitch.
Leitch designed several of the stadium's most famous stands, including the Goodison Road Stand, Bullens Road Stand and Gwladys Street End. His influence helped create the distinctive appearance that generations of supporters came to know and love.
The result was a stadium unlike any other, eventually becoming the only football ground in England to feature four double-decker stands.
Record Crowds and Great Matchdays
Goodison Park hosted some of the biggest crowds in English football.
The record attendance came in September 1948 when an incredible 78,299 supporters attended the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool.
Week after week, the Gwladys Street End generated a famous atmosphere, helping establish Goodison Park's reputation as one of the country's great football grounds.
For many supporters, memories of those packed stands and famous derby days remain a huge part of what supporting Everton means.
World Cup Football at Goodison
Goodison Park's importance extended far beyond Everton.
The stadium hosted the 1910 FA Cup Final and was selected as a venue for the 1966 FIFA World Cup. During that tournament it staged group matches, a famous quarter-final between Portugal and North Korea, and a semi-final between West Germany and the Soviet Union.
Few club stadiums in England can claim such an impressive international football pedigree.
Home of Everton's Greatest Teams
Goodison Park witnessed every era of Everton's rise as one of England's most successful clubs.
Supporters watched legendary figures such as Dixie Dean, Alan Ball, Neville Southall, Kevin Ratcliffe and many others grace the famous turf across different generations.
League championships, FA Cup victories and European nights all unfolded beneath the towering stands of Goodison. The stadium wasn't simply where Everton played. It became
Saying Goodbye to Goodison
Despite its status and history, modern football eventually caught up with Goodison Park.
Following the Taylor Report, the stadium became fully seated, reducing capacity significantly. Various redevelopment and relocation plans emerged over the years before Everton finally committed to a new waterfront stadium.
In 2025, Everton ended their long association with Goodison Park and moved to their new home, closing one of the most significant chapters in English football history.
The Legacy of Goodison Park
Goodison Park was more than just a football stadium.
It was the birthplace of countless memories, the setting for title-winning teams, dramatic derbies and historic international matches. From its origins following Everton's departure from Anfield to its final farewell more than 130 years later, the stadium stood as one of football's true landmarks.
The Grand Old Lady may no longer host Everton men's first-team football, but its place in sporting history is secure.
Whether you stood in the Gwladys Street End, remember famous nights under the floodlights, or simply appreciate Everton's rich football heritage, browse our Everton collection