Bold claim: USUALLY, stadiums come and go, but Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium makes a case that a club’s soul can travel with its bricks and glass—and not everyone will agree. But here’s the controversial twist: Manchester United must learn from Everton’s bold move to avoid losing the magic that made Goodison Park such a fortress.
Manchester United won 1-0 on their first visit to the newly built Hill Dickinson Stadium in Merseyside on Monday night.
On the February 2025 trip to Goodison Park for United’s final game there, I walked beside David Moyes and Everton’s head of football communications. Moyes had just exited the Everton dressing room, heading toward his post-match press conference down a narrow corridor.
That afternoon, United had drawn 2-2 with Everton, and the atmosphere was electric. I asked Moyes how he felt about leaving Goodison, and he admitted it would be tough, yet he looked forward to the Hill Dickinson Stadium’s challenge on Bramley-Moore Dock.
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Leaving Goodison Park after 133 years wasn’t easy for Everton, but the club has delivered with the Hill Dickinson Stadium—a stunning new home that preserves a sense of history while embracing the future.
On Monday night, United’s victory came courtesy of a second-half strike from Benjamin Sesko, scored in front of the two-tier away section, making the visit memorable for United fans.
The Hill Dickinson makes a striking first impression from the road. Its design blends brick, glass, and steel, harmonizing with the adjacent dock architecture and earning early praise for marrying modern form with traditional echoes.
American architect Dan Meis led the project, and his team deserves recognition. While some American arenas feel hollow, every corner of the Hill Dickinson seems thoughtfully crafted.
Evertonians have had mixed feelings about the stadium’s distance from the city centre, but its beauty is amplified by its riverside setting on the Mersey. It’s a striking sight as you approach.
There is a real sense of occasion as you approach the venue. Outside, stewards guide fans, and staff greet journalists warmly.
Everton’s move into the Hill Dickinson has brought top-tier press facilities: excellent pre-arrival communications, ample workspace, and appealing food options. By contrast, Goodison’s press room felt cramped, and the journalist seating at press conferences looked like a high school setup. The Hill Dickinson’s media room is sleek and well-equipped.
There’s a makeshift mixed zone at Old Trafford, but Premier League clubs are generally expected to provide a proper mixed zone so players pass reporters as they exit. The Hill Dickinson’s mixed zone is spacious, and a light moment emerged when Michael Carrick’s son nearly got swept out by the crowd, prompting a quick, humorous exchange.
The design even lets players like Carrick unwind after their sessions, chatting with family in the zone. Luke Littler, meanwhile, walked out with his hood up after Sesko’s goal, a reminder that football blends drama with normal life.
Each of the four stands at Hill Dickinson is steep and imposing, and the Everton crowd’s roar felt tangible as their team emerged to Z-Cars. Maintaining a sense of Goodison’s character was evidently a priority in the design, so the steep terraces help preserve that intimate, pitch-side feeling.
Everton also marked a nod to tradition with the return of the Toffee Lady in November. The Toffee Lady had long handed out mints at Goodison Park, and bringing her back to the Hill Dickinson was described by the club as a way to safeguard a timeless matchday symbol as a new era begins.
Attention to small details matters when a club relocates. United’s leadership will need the same care if they move to a new 100,000-seat Old Trafford.
The Hill Dickinson includes lift attendants, and staff handled the practical quirks of the environment with good humor. The concourses are spacious, and there’s a solid selection of food and drink, though some initial transport frustrations have accompanied the move.
Transport remains the biggest hurdle. Hill Dickinson sits about a 25-minute walk from central Liverpool, which suits some fans but isn’t ideal for everyone. Road closures kick in two hours before kick-off, limiting car access, and public transport options have drawn criticism from Everton supporters.
In short, while the Hill Dickinson is an extraordinary venue, the one glaring area needing improvement is transport infrastructure. If United follows suit with their own forthcoming move, strengthening public transport links will be essential to sustaining the overall matchday experience.
And this is the part most people miss: the stadium’s aesthetic and fan experience are powerful, but without practical accessibility, even the best-looking ground can falter. If you were advising United, what balance would you strike between architectural ambition and transport clarity to keep the magic intact for every supporter?
