Everton’s first season at Hill Dickinson Stadium delivered a new experience but not an immediate home advantage. Here is what happened in 2025/26 and what supporters can expect in the next upcoming season.

Everton’s move to Hill Dickinson Stadium marked the beginning of a new era. After 133 years at Goodison Park, the club relocated to a modern waterfront ground capable of welcoming more than 52,000 supporters.

Everton were better away than at home

A TicketSeal study of Premier League home advantage found that Everton were one of only four clubs to earn more points per game away than at home during the 2025/26 season.

The Toffees averaged 1.21 points per game at Hill Dickinson Stadium, compared with 1.37 away. Only Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur recorded a larger negative difference between their home and away performances.

The gap was small, but its direction was surprising. Most Premier League clubs collect more points in familiar surroundings and in front of their own supporters. Everton instead produced a slightly better result on the road.

A New Home Takes Time to Feel Like Home

Moving to a new stadium involves more than changing address. Players must adapt to different surroundings and matchday routines, while supporters need time to establish the traditions and atmosphere that give a ground its identity.

Goodison Park had more than a century of history behind it. Its compact stands and proximity to the pitch helped create an environment that visiting teams often found uncomfortable.

Hill Dickinson Stadium offers a different experience. It is larger, more modern and built for a new generation of Everton supporters. Although fans remain close to the action, recreating the emotional familiarity of Goodison was never likely to happen immediately.

The statistics do not prove that the stadium caused Everton’s mixed home form. Results are also influenced by opponents, injuries, tactics and squad quality. They simply show that Everton were more productive away during their first season at the new ground.

New arrivals, new expectations

Everton head into the new season with a squad that is still evolving. Brennan Johnson and Tyrique George give David Moyes more options out wide, with Hayden Hackney expected to bring more control and drive to the midfield.

Further additions remain possible before the transfer window closes at 11pm on 1 September. 

Everton have reportedly shown interest in Crystal Palace right-back Daniel Muñoz, while former Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has also been linked with a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Neither move has been confirmed, but greater depth could help Everton turn promising home performances into wins and establish a genuine home advantage in 2026/27.

A fitting opening fixture

Everton begin their Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday, 22 August, as confirmed by the official Premier League fixture schedule.

Palace were another of the four teams that performed better away than at home last season, making the fixture an intriguing early test for both clubs.

A victory would help establish the idea that Hill Dickinson Stadium can become a more difficult place for visiting sides. Even a modest improvement in home form could make a meaningful difference over a full Premier League campaign.

The squad may also continue to change. The summer transfer window remains open until 1st September, giving Everton additional time to strengthen after the season has begun. 

Returning to Hill Dickinson Stadium

Demand for tickets should be strongest for matches against Liverpool and the Premier League’s leading clubs. The South Stand is likely to remain the preferred choice for atmosphere and seats along the East and West Stands offer a great overall view of the pitch.

Official availability may become limited for popular fixtures. Supporters who miss out through the club’s sales channels can compare Everton ticket listings across multiple marketplaces.

A Fresh Experience for 2026/27

Everton have introduced new food, drink and stadium offerings for 2026/27 as the club continues to refine life at its new home.

These include a Chicken Balti Pie from The People’s Bakery and a dedicated Chip Shop on Level 2 of the South Stand. Selected pints will also be available for £4.50 during the first 45 minutes after the stadium opens.

Returning supporters should encounter a ground that feels more established than it did at the beginning of its inaugural season.

Everton have their new home, supporters are establishing new traditions and the squad may continue to evolve. In 2026/27, the next challenge is turning Hill Dickinson Stadium into a genuine home advantage.

A stronger home record would not only improve Everton’s league position but also help build the confidence, identity and sense of occasion their new stadium still needs to develop.