Initial thoughts on the new stadium

Some initial thoughts on the new ground

Thought I’d share some initial thoughts on my experience of the new stadium yesterday — the stadium, not the team, that’s been covered elsewhere. We walked to and from Lime Street to the ground, so can’t really comment on public transport arrangements; it would be interesting to know others’ experience of that. 

Positives 

• The sheer scale of the place, only becomes apparent once you get really close;
• The location on the river with views of the river and the Liver buildings;
•  Everton Way – brilliant (although I was accused by one fan – lightheartedly – of standing on his dad!)
• Getting in was straightforward; 
• The totally uninterrupted view from the seats we had;
• Nice touches – Archibald Leitch laticework reflected on the external fencing; original dock wall outlined.

Not so positive 

• Steep climb to our seats, Row 59 in the South Stand – surprising that there were no escalators or lifts – particularly in a new build. 
• Horrendous queues for food before the match and at half-time at the Dockyard Kitchen in the South Stand. Stood for 15 minutes without moving and gave up in the end. Lot of congestion in that whole area. As this was only a friendly and therefore getting back to your seat before the start of the second half is less important than for a league game, I wonder whether fans would be quite as patient for a ‘proper’ game. (I recognise that this was a trial run for a full house but it does need to get sorted!)
• The red(!) Budweiser advertising on the two ad strips going round the whole ground. If ‘This Bud really is Blue’ then change the fucking colour!  

I hope the above doesn’t come across as a negative rant because overall I was really impressed – even overawed by my first visit – but I thought I’d share these anyway.