Goodison Park

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Lore & Background

Everton originally played on an open pitch in Stanley Park. In 1882, J. Cruit donated land at Priory Road but asked the club to leave after two years due to large crowds. Everton moved to Anfield Road from 1884 until 1892, winning their first championship there in 1890–91. A dispute with owner John Houlding over rent and a covenant for an access road on land owned by Mr Orrell led to Everton vacating Anfield. Houlding then formed Liverpool FC. George Mahon secured an option to lease Mere Green field, the site of Goodison Park. The stadium was named because the length of the site was built against Goodison Road.

In Their Own Story

The construction of the new ground required significant effort and capital. Everton rented the Mere Green field from owner Christopher Leyland before eventually buying it outright. Local contractor Mr Barton excavated and levelled the site, installing drainage and laying turf at a cost of £552 for 29,471 square yards. Architectural advisor J. Prescott oversaw the project while Walton-based firm Kelly Brothers erected two uncovered stands accommodating 4,000 spectators each, plus a third covered stand for 3,000. The combined cost for these stands was £1,640. This move was supported by philanthropists William Hartley and Robert William Hudson, who backed Mahon against Houlding's faction. The local press took sides: the Liverpool Daily Post celebrated Houlding's ousting as shaking off an 'incubus,' while the Tory-supporting Liverpool Courier defended him. Despite the internal friction, the club secured its new home, ensuring it kept its name and identity while leaving Houlding with an empty stadium.

Reader's Guide

Goodison Park is located in Walton, Liverpool, two miles north of the city centre. It has an all-seated capacity of 39,414. The stadium opened in 1892 and served as Everton's home until 2025, when the club relocated to the Hill Dickinson Stadium. It then became the home of Everton Women.

Did You Know?

• Goodison Park hosted the 1910 FA Cup Final.
• It was a venue for the 1966 World Cup.
• The stadium was built against Goodison Road, which gave it its name.
• Everton's move to Goodison Park followed a dispute with John Houlding over rent and land ownership at Anfield.