US architectural firm linked with Everton stadium design

http://www.meisstudio.com/paul-brown-stadium/

Obviously I'll believe it when I see it... but hey, I can dream. Knowing my luck I'll probably fall off the perch the day before the first home game. I know I am one miserable git.

These are amazing days to be associated with the Everton project and we may be able to say, "I was there".

It's like the mid '80s when we had bad transfer windows, bought old rubbish and yet started to play brilliantly. I'm pinching myself and while I know there'll be bad patches I'm hoping that our time has come.

But I love Goodison Park; it will be a really sad day when we leave, but glad all my kids have experienced the place.

It's a great time to be an Evertonian.. possibly made the feeling better after the shite for the 3 Martinez years.

A generic "Astrobowl".
Some smartchitect's CV-defining "innovation".
Symmetry, that's just crass.

I want:
"God's New Acre" to feel like "The Grand Old Lady".
Leitch~ian criss crosses.
Four sides.
Four sides rammed right n tight up alongside the pitch.
Acoustics that frighten the fuckin bajasus out of visiting victi...... erm teams.
Basically, transport Goodison through space and time.

Oh, and The Mersey to appear Royal Blue on match days.

(I have, reluctantly, stopped short of a gallows overlooking the banks of aforesaid "Royal Blue Mersey".).

Damn, that would be something. If you've not already done so, have a look on the link.

I want two massive towers that we have to pass through to get into the ground-like something out of Lord of The Rings. I want a walk of champions with gladiatorial statues of Dean, Labone, Ball Harvey and Kendall, Big Nev and I want nine big 10-foot high replicas of the league trophy, same for the cups with space reserved for the next ones to come.

I want a place that inspires our supporters and makes theirs have a knee tremble and head for the toilets. I don't think that's a lot to ask for.

60K.
A fearsome "Major End".
But, for the the "Alternative end" also to be for Toffees.
Then, furthermore.
Tuck the "Aways" in some "Tower of Goodison" dungeon.
Where their misbegotten appearance, onanistic tendencies and catterwalling is least likely to give offence to "The Chosen" (this applies most especially to opposition followed by those of the "pro-whaling" persuasion).

WHU are apparently not too happy in their Council House where they need binoculars to see the players. And NO fuckin' poxy music played whenever we score a goal!!!

Surely, an intense beam of pure Royal Blue light, emanating from the heavens and bathing "The Home of The Toffs" from a geostationary sattelite is not beyond reason?

On further thoughts ...........

Dear sweet baby Judas, just bloody imagine if every time we scored some fuckin' reconditioned fairground machine fired out "Everton Toffees" to the faithful?

**Shudders uncontrollably**

It's working in my world. I am officially excited by the prospect of a new stadium by the docks. And the fact that we're playing pretty well and getting good results at the same time is just cranking it up a few more notches.

Four sides a roof and a big window at one end for looking down the river at the Liver birds.

TBH mate, I've experienced false dawns before. But, as always, I'll enjoy the moment and not over invest in the kind of total delusion we annually witness from "The Hermit Crabs".

Yes! I'm getting quite nervous...

I've never been to Goodison (pox on me) as I have a terrible fear of flying. Crossing an ocean via boat takes too long...

I have the feeling I'm going to have to stomach the financial hit (with a kid in college and 4 more coming behind him) and spend the thousands to get over there soon. We'd probably come seven Crowley's strong – wife, five sons, me.

Anybody got about $10 grand they could do without?

Really hope this is coming to fruition as a new stadium is desperately needed. Moshri would be a canonized Saint in the High Church of Everton if he pulled this one off.

A football stadium should have four discernible sides, imo. They should be close to the pitch & the seating at a suitable angle to help create the intense atmosphere. A design that incorporates safe standing would also be an excellent idea.

I hope the design can be that perfect mix of the traditional & the innovative that would stand Everton in good stead for many years to come.

Seeing and hearing the other fans I think would stir your emotions. It would be even better if a section in the middle of our end was standing,and would be very popular.

Also if we have a 60,000 stadium would it not be good to try and entice away supporters to our ground with the Everton experience – good grub, beer, seating, all at low cost? Surely a good atmosphere comes from both sets off supporters at the game, just as long as we are louder though.

Link

Come on, feel the noise!

Provided it's quality, has all the facilities and isn't landed with some stupid fucking name, I'll be made up!

Let's not waste too much time and just give us a blue version of Dortmund's Westfalenstadion. Just like this:

Link

Last I heard, they were even considering some really big schemes that didn't include filling the dock.

The proposals for the tobacco factory and the huge mixed-use scheme between the Titanic and city centre also seem to be falling into line and will form part of the complete regeneration of the entire quarter, a la east Manchester and the area around The Ethiad

Exciting times.

NO FUCKING RUNNING TRACK...(and, with all due respect to the worthy citizens therein abiding; not in Crocky either).

Also let the rs get sucked into the Commonwealth Games diversion thing, because that's all it is, a jealous rs faction of the council's vain attempt to divert us. But as we all know... We shall not be moved.

What if it's all just a ploy for Moshiri to double his money, you know what?

I

DON'T

GIVE

A FUCK.

Everyone's a winner.

Did you want a moat, drawbridge, and murder slits in entryways the visitors must use also?

Marcus #1,

Been to Paul Brown Stadium about 4 times a year since it was built, mostly to watch concerts, college football, and NFL games (When the Steelers are in town). It is well designed and laid out. No bad seats. The design of the curved upper decks actually means the upper-end sections are not too far from the field. The ends are open although the field is lower but fans at PBS are not dealing with sand or ocean/sea winds either.

I am also not sure how a roof would work with the design since it really is an altered exploded bowl design.

This seems so real and so close that I'm now a mix of excited and sad. The leaving of Goodison will be one of the toughest things I'll experience.

Bottom half of the table, rumours of stadium = loads of blues foaming at the mouth over being "lied to again" as a distraction by Mr Kenwright.

Discuss.

Sky would never be away after Harry Kane gets his left leg thoroughly gnawed down to the bone! I'm off now for a lie down in a darkened room.

As many of us have said, Four Sides... NOT a bowl. So fa,r if I was choosing, I'd be very happy indeed with, as Brian @46 recommended, a Royal Blue version of
Borussia Dortmund's Westphalenstadion".

Sorry to disagree Marcus @1, but the Paul Brown Stadium looks precisely like what I would want for us not to have.

What truly scares me about the PBS, is that EFC seem to have appointed these same architects for our project.

Despite my tomfoolery regarding some extravagant features, what I really want is for Goodison II to "feel just like Goodison", yet modern. Classy, not flashy, just clean simple lines. Maybe the Leitch criss-crosses used externally?

Stay at a revitalised "Grand Old Lady"? In a single heart beat. (Just don't create a bollox by grafting a BLOODY BIG STAND onto it, that would just look shite!)

Build a new empire on the Royal Blue Mersey? I'm really very tempted. IF the finished product isn't a complete disappointment.

Stonebridge Cross? Just fuck that right off.

If you've ever been to Brighton's new stadium, because of it's location (Falmer, outside Brighton), they try to provide a range of F&B options for home and visiting supporters – the local Police prefer not to have away fans drinking in the town. One of the things they do for away fans is to use lighting to change the area to the colours of their team, and the bars will sell real ales from breweries local to them too. The feedback is usually overwhelmingly positive, and of course the club benefits from additional income.

If it was a dock site, then the club should really lay on a range of F&B options to encourage fans to get there early, and benefit from the additional spend. Similarly after the game, the bars could be left open as well to allow fans to disperse at their leisure, and so easy the load on the public transport network.

Nailed it in one.

I also want a 30ft high 3-dimensional bronze Everton logo that when positioned correctly, will cast a huge EFC shadow onto the pitch of Anfield at 3pm on a Saturday.

Also with us 'only' spending the Stones money this window, that should mean we have most of the £100M Sky money to pump into this, certainly no debt is needed in the next 12 months as we have enough to cover the site purchase, planing and preliminary work. Another slug of Sky money next summer will provide more dosh.

Exciting to think we could have a 55,000-seater stadium and playing in the Champions League with Koeman leading the team out as Premier League Champions, in just 3 years' time.

Sorry, fellas, this is Everton and, as long as Bill Kenwright is around, we will always take the wrong / cheapo option.

Would be good if the club could engage the fans even on a poll. Surly that's where all good designs start... at the grassroots. COYB

Lucas Oil Stadium.

I am in awe of this stadium.

As regards the different perspectives, when anything positive happens to our club, in the minds of many on this site it demonstrates Moshiri is now firmly in charge and wholly responsible for the perceived change of direction.

On the other hand, when anything negative happens, it demonstrates Bill is still in charge and that nothing will change until he has gone. In other words, Moshiri gets all the credit and Bill gets all the blame!

What do you expect? Bill has overseen 15 years of stagnation, lies, and failure (at every level at this club). His legacy is written. Quite simply he could have and should have brought someone like Moshiri to the table sooner.

The joy and novelty of the new home will eventually wear off but an intimidating wall of sound in a hard-to-play-at stadium will be there for its lifetime and will help to give us an added advantage (and points) over the years.

Now, I want people to have the same impression when they come to our new stadium. I hope it will be unique and stand out from the rest. Very exciting times.

Away fans should be hidden well out the way so they can't influence decisions in any way. We want a wall of people on all sides, no gaps or areas of cladding or too many boxes. The main stand at Goodison looks like a shanty town.

http://www.meisstudio.com/confidential-middle-east-stadium

Maybe a compromise of rotating the stadium 90 degrees so that there is one goal with its back to the Mersey and the other goal is adjacent to Regent Road would be better protection from the elements. Make the stadium a 3 sided bowl with a separate 'home' stand behind the goal looking back over the River.

They will have to be careful with the selection of materials as the sea air will attack any steelwork there. Brick would be the preferred material to blend in with the current landscape.

Parking? I guess there will be plenty of empty warehouses available down the docks and access into the city centre via Sandhills would be okay, however a direct link (tram? underground extension?) to Lime Street and James Street Stations would be excellent.

The ferry idea is really good for the Wirral and North Wales support, park over the water and jump a direct ferry adjacent to the stadium.

Love the idea of a giant glazed turrets in the corner of the stadium providing views over the city and having use for corporate hospitality.

Naming rights? Must start with 'Goodison', not bothered after that, the Goodison Tesco Stadium, the Goodison Ryanair Stadium, the Goodison Tony Hibbert stadium – anything as long as its pre-fixed.

A giant inflatable two fingers to Mordor would complete the branding.

Plenty of nods to our heritage should be there, including reference to Goodison Park - such as a signpost showing the direction and distance along with a bronze plaque regarding the stadium's history.

As with almost everyone. Rectangular, steep, close to the pitch.

I do wonder whether the club will engage with the fans on this. After the badge debacle we've probably had enough of experts?

Wembley is essentially single tier all the way back – the old Wembley was not like that. The same is true of the new National Stadium in Singapore which also has a running track which completely kills the atmosphere.

Dave, I agree on the multi-tiers solution, although one end being a single tier seems to generate a good atmosphere in other stadiums.

Ernie, I'd be very disappointed if Goodison didn't form part of the name, pal, keeps our identity. I agree, plenty of our heritage would need to be transferred from Goodison to make it our home. Branding-wise, we would definitely need to incorporate the Leitch cris-crosses although structurally these days, they wouldn't be required. And a nod to the church in some way would be good.

I'd also like names for the stands, can't abide 'North' 'South' etc – shows no imagination. Much better to have something completely unique to Everton.

A big jazzy bowl is something you stick in an industrial estate in the middle of nowhere.

Col, would be interesting to see what others think about the name – like I said, I might be out on my own with this. I'd like plenty of nods to the Old Lady. Maybe we could even name a road. I just think you leave the name – Goodison is what it is.

Paul (#78) I have been to the Lyon stadium and agree with you. It is the best stadium I have visited. All the seats are close to the pitch, it holds nearly 60,000 and with the addition of a roof it would be perfect for us.

The fan experience has to be better; parking (somewhere) for all the new fans we will attract, and good public transport access. Proper catering like they have in US stadiums, not queuing in a mob for junk food and crap beer. Toilets fit for human beings.

With money being so cheap and so plentiful, at least in our game, there is no excuse for it not being significantly better than Anfield.

The FIRST team to play a Premier League match 'indoors'... another to add to our very impressive FIRST TO list. :D

http://interpol-studios.com/#!/architecture/start/draft_suprastadium_2012

It has to be future-proofed, not a stuffy old box like Goodison (Gawd love her) so that we're seen as progressive, forward thinking, and as ever, ground-breaking.

We've been the first to do most things historically, so why not be the first to do something with our stadium? I don't want a boring 'box' stadium with 4 stands, I want a mega-futuristic, state-of-the-art stadium that makes all the old designs look dull as dishwater, a la Mordor.

Now that Suprastadio design looks very impressive, Ernie. Close to the action for everyone. We must learn from West Ham's mistake and make sure no-one is seated too far away from the pitch. Which brings us nicely to the commonwealth link.

A space age stadium just wouldn't look right on the waterfront to me. And it doesn't need to look futuristic to be future proofed. We're Everton... got a bit of class haven't we?

I would much prefer us to catapult ourselves into the 21st century, with an eye on the future – the LOS is a great design, I genuinely like it... but it's too old school for my thinking these days.

Goodison is a relic, a much loved one, but still a relic – I want our stadium to look, feel and exude modernity in every way!

In keeping with the Goodison theme and taking something to our new home, a few massive big pillars in the away end would be ideal!

Yes, I have been there several times. The inside is quite impressive. It can get loud due to the roof. I have watched football games in December there with snow on the ground outside but 65 degree temperatures inside. Quite an experience, until of course you have to put the cold weather gear back on to go back outside to get to your car. It definitely dominates the approach to downtown Indy.

Some of the seats would be farther away from the field than some might like. I think the tiers would have to be moved and adjusted in order to move the upper levels closer to the field.

I do remember I should have gone in the Boys Pen, but I ended up in the Gwladys Street. I was passed to the front and sat on a stanchion from where I had a great spec.

Happy days.

ps: Were you there?

Don't forget the Goodison granites would need to be re-located, as well as the Everton Giants tablets, the Dixie Gates and Statue, the Kenwright car park, Goodison Supper bar, Nr 9 Goodison Road, Goodison timeline, Top Balcony escalators, Royal Oak, Spellow, Winslow, the Island outside the church, The Brick...

I 'd personally also like to retain the heritage of the Buckingham bingo car park!

"We begin each project with a "deep dive" into the history and geography of a project's location, the culture of the club's fans, unique aspects of the fan experience and behaviour, and the business model and vision of our clients. This research forms the basis of exploration that very quickly results in illustrative reference imagery, sketches, and study models – both physical and digital –that engages the client in an extremely collaborative back and forth as we develop a design specifically tailored to their needs and goals."

I've sent them Steve Binghams #55 Lions suggestion and told them we all feel the same :-)

There are stadiums that are in my opinion dome-like and not to far away from the pitch, like The Alianz and Lyon's stadium, but with some clever design the tiers could be steeper and overlap to be closer to the pitch to create a more enclosed and intimidating atmosphere. And there's also the Superstadio design.

Talk about ruining your day.... I will get my own back and refuse to eat my supper.

Have a big massive Everton crest on the stadium, with 'This is the People's Club' in neon lights.

Only worry I have though is where are the Vikings going to dock on the shite's home games, if we take that space up.

Joking aside, happy times ahead, decent side, players battling for places, and a great set of youth as backup, what could possibly go wrong? It would not be the life of an Evertonian if something didn't crop up.

I think our time has finally come... Jesus, we've had some false dawns, and more than enough of the wrong end of injustices, we deserve this moment. Please do it before I kick my clogs.

Wind. Rain. There will be lots of both. Very bad idea for the design, I'd say. Playing and watching would be a nightmare. It would be a £300 million Stoke ground.

At Goodison, all bays for disabled are at the front and exposed to the weather. It gets extremely cold and wet during autumn, winter and spring at the front and I think disabled seating should be higher up in the stands, with a better view. I tried using an umbrella once, at the Park End, but you wouldn't believe the abuse I got from the people sitting in the front row behind me.

At present there are about 100 EDSA members and a lot less spaces available. The disabled spaces could be all around the stadium with access via lift or ramps. Ample tickets available for every disabled supporter who wants to go to the game.

Big sparkley bowl-shaped stadiums look superb on the eye, but we need to create a big four-sided football stadium, one that is steep and overlooking the playing surface, and touching distance from fan to player.

The corners on a new stadium can still connect, whether it's to do so as a ground or whether it's as corporate areas, fan shops, media rooms or hotel usage.

When designing our new ground, we need to think bear pit. 👊

Looks like they have a drainage problem there, Rob.

"The (space for sponsor's name) Blue Atlantic Stadium"

On the main stand we have a massive laser that illuminates and projects the badge and player images from our history onto Prince Rupert's Tower. I reckon there would be a line of sight. In fact, I think we should do that anyway, why wait.

I still don't reckon a riverside site though. I suggested that the William Collins' playing fields, bounded by Great Mersey St, Vauxhall Rd, Lambeth Rd and Stanley Rd would be a cheaper build/ better quality stadium for same money with better access. Any stand built into the hillside, accessed from Stanley Road could give multi-level access to wheelchair users and the less mobile. Probably the first and only ground in the country to do that.

It's a hillside site too which could give some creative design options, including underground car parking and extended facilities space. Right next to Sandhills ,it could also prove a more sellable events venue.

Didn't get any comments last time. Any takers?

ps: The original Wembley was just a big bowl and was not multi-tiered unless you count the seats they built in under the roof late on in its life. (Response to earlier post.)

Little did we know who we may have been rubbing shoulders with!!!

I was thinking something similar; if these architects say that they consider the fans opinion, then maybe a raft of e-mails describing our dream ground, four sides, close to the pitch, sprinkler system over the away fans etc. might give them an insight into how we view our next home.

Any one got their e-mail address?

To get to the bars, I want to be able to step onto one of those travelators that you get at airports. I want to be met and served at the bars by holograms of all the ex-Everton players. I could go on but I'll pass out with excitement...

It will be a very sad day when we leave Goodison but it's well overdue. I just hope I can get in for the final game. I also hope we do better than West Ham rather than having to watch the likes of Big Nev and Duncan driving onto the pitch in taxis FFS.

I'm sure Bill K will enjoy planning the last hurrah. On the night, he'll shout "break a leg" and Gibson will be out for a month.

Personally, due to location ie strong winds, I'd go for a glass and steel arena (ultra modern) otherwise playing football there would be a lottery. I've also seen the Peel plans for the waterfront and it's all skyscrapers and glass.

I was surprised about your comment about the distance of some of the seats from the pitch.

If we do get a stadium on the waterfront the architect is going to have to jump through some design hoops based on this documents:

https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/Journals/1/Files/2011/5/20/Liverpool%20Waters%20-%20OUV%20Assessment%20-%20FINAL%20REPORT.pdf

Some light reading for those of us who have a spare few hours on our hands.

You're welcome. It is exciting to think Everton could have a new stadium in a brilliant spot if a redo of Goodison Park is not in the cards.

My hometown club, FC Cincinnati, if all goes well, may be looking to build a new stadium (30,000 or less) in a few years, so I am looking forward to watching both EFC and FCC in new grounds.

Once we get the kids out of the house, Liverpool and Cork are my first two destinations, in that order.

Just because it has four stands and a rectangular footprint, where does that dictate four corners open to the wild, unrelenting breeze from the Royal Blue Mersey?

I would rather stay at a crumbling Goodison if we cant get the docks, or wipe the smiles off Liverpool council by putting in a plan for Stanley Park.

I'm an eternal pessimist and believe that some politician will come up with the old 'heritage site' excuse to stop us getting a dockside stadium.

"I'm an eternal pessimist" = Paul Kossof has looked into the mouths of numerous gift horses.

"I'm an eternal pessimist " = Paul Kossof has witnessed many flickerings of light on the eastern horizon, none of which was a true precursor to a new day.

"I'm an eternal pessimist" = Paul Kossof is a thoroughbred Evertonian!

Okay, it might be a little pinchy, with a capacity of only 49,000, but otherwise it has it all with its superb riverside location. Even its nickname – with a little linguistic licence – is perfect. La Bombonera, although my Lunfardo is a little rusty, can be translated as 'The Toffee Lady'. Funes Mori might not appreciate the suggestion, though. Link

http://www.bilbaostadium.com/#mejor-estadio-mundo

http://www.bilbaostadium.com/#datos-del-proceso

Visited the old ground in the 1980's and was lucky enough to have been there for a pre season game against Southampton. It felt like a European cup semi final such is the passion of the Bilbao hordes.

Great city to visit as I'm sure some off here have done. Haven't been back since the time described, but maybe one day I'll wing my way back to sample once again its earthy delights.

A similar stadium built alongside the famed river of legend would be most acceptable. The future is bright, the future is royal blue.

Also, the design doesn't look to me as though it provides for safe-standing areas – an essential requirement for a new stadium so as to avoid unnecessary additional expense in the future when they are approved.

Despite 90,000 spectators on the night, the atmosphere didn't compare to what Goodison can produce on a good day.

I really hope the designers take note of the fans' opinion on this, we have waited too long for another disappointment, fingers crossed...

Apart from the odd whistle, they just sat there eating them little seed things and flicking the shells on the deck.

I remember thinking a particularly narked (somewhat bevvied) 35,000 in Goodison would put the shites up this lot.