A select band of Evertonians saw a glimpse of a bright, new future as the €950million project at Bramley-Moore Dock opened its doors for the first time and they went home happy – even after a defeat.
More than two decades after the club pulled the plug on plans to relocate to the nearby King's Dock, now the site of the M&S Bank Arena, Toffees fans finally got the waterside venue they have been craving.
A crowd of 10,000, including representatives of new owners The Friedkin Group, watched the Under-18s take on their Wigan counterparts in the first of three test events.
It took just 12 minutes for Harrison Rimmer, who last Wednesday scored in a 4-0 win at Fleetwood’s Poolfoot Farm training ground in front of a handful of spectators, to get the first goal at the new ground.
He could not resist milking his moment in the limelight and held up six fingers in reference to Liverpool’s six Champions League titles.
Cole Simms doubled the visitors’ lead shortly after and that proved decisive, despite Ray Roberts’ late penalty. But most in attendance were happy just to be there despite the 2-1 loss.
"The stadium is superb. The views are amazing. It’s everything you want, as a fan. Everton are back," said Steve Davis, a season ticket holder since 1974.
Bill Friday, a fan since 1961, added: "This will be iconic. It’s everything any football supporter can imagine – I just hope to live to see a trophy in there because it deserves it."
Rob Halligan was even bolder, saying: "I’ve had a season ticket since 1995, when we won the FA Cup, and we have won nothing since, so the first season in here we are going to win the FA Cup!"
Fans streamed towards the futuristic-looking stadium past the Bramley Moore pub, which has sat just over the road from the
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