EMOTIONAL Everton fans packed the streets to say goodbye to Goodison Park after 133 years.
The Toffees will move into their new ground next season with Goodison downsizing to be used for the women’s team.
GettyEverton prepare for their last match at Goodison Park[/caption]
EPAEverton fans packed the streets to say goodbye to Goodison Park[/caption]
PAFlares and flags filled the Merseyside air[/caption]
GettyThousands lined the streets[/caption]
Hoards of fans flooded the streets around Goodison Park
And the Everton faithful turned out in full force to see off their iconic stadium ahead of Southampton’s lunchtime trip.
Goodison Road was a see of blue, with flares being set off and flags flying high in the Merseyside air.
The ground is not gone forever, though – instead being repurposed with the men’s team moving to the new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, officially named the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Goodison Park was first opened in 1892 and has a capacity of 39,572.
But that is set to be reduced as multiple parts will be reconfigured.
This will be done by reducing the number of seats in each row in order to add space.
Everton‘s women’s team currently has an average attendance of 2,062 at their current home of Walton Hall Park.
The club has offered season ticket holders and hospitality members the chance to buy the seat that was theirs for this season.
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It would act as a souvenir of the historic stadium following Sunday’s home match against Southampton.
Everton legends including Wayne Rooney and Phil Jagielka took to the field before the game to pay tribute.
Jagielka, who spent 12 years at the club, said: “We’re forgetting there’s a kick-off and there’s a game in a few minutes, but this is amazing and it’s only going to get more emotional as the day goes on.”
The new £802million, 52,888-capacity stadium which opens in August will be called the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
It comes after the Liverpool-based law firm were unveiled as the naming rights partner for the waterside venue.
The Toffees have already held test events at the Dock venue, which they will use from next season.
That included an Under-18s match against Wigan in February.
David Moyes first took charge at Goodison in 2002 and spent 11 years at the club before moving to Manchester United.
And he returned to Merseyside in January after replacing Sean Dyche – with the club now sitting 13th.
Moyes said: “It was amazing, the welcome on the streets, it really was special.
“But I have to say the day itself will be really important but what we have to focus on now is making sure we get the win and sending everyone off in the right frame of mind.”
GettyIt was a send off to remember[/caption]
GettyMerseyside was a sea of blue[/caption]
Everton legends including Wayne Rooney and Phil Jagielka took to the field
GettyRooney was all smiles on the Goodison turf[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
