A select number of Everton fans were treated to their first experience of the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium on Monday evening.
Everton U18s hosted the first-ever test event game to be held in the state-of-the-art stadium, hosting 10,000 people.
The game ended up in defeat for Everton with Wigan Athletic securing a 2-1 victory and the first-ever win at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer mocked Everton with his celebration after netting the first goal at the new stadium.
But the night was not about the result, it was about Everton fans getting to experience their new home for the very first time.
And it was clear it left a lasting impression on the U18s manager Keith Southern who will go down in history as the first Everton manager to oversee a game at the new stadium.
Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium impresses Everton U18s manager
The next Bramley-Moore Dock test event is expected to take place in April/March with an increased capacity expected to be held.
There will be natural concerns about leaving Goodison Park over the coming months.
However, speaking to the Everton website, manager Keith Southern shared his initial reaction to managing from the sidelines of the new stadium.
“There were so many positives tonight: the occasion; coming to this fantastic arena,” he said.
“[The stadium’s] incredible, it’s iconic. The geography of it on the waterfront, but even looking beyond that, when you come inside, it’s got a real feel about it.
“I think the worry for some fans possibly might have been when you move away from Goodison, are you going to lose the atmosphere, the tightness from the stands to the pitch? But whoever’s designed it’s done a fantastic job because the stands are on top of you.”
David Moyes admitted he didn’t want to leave Goodison Park with the Scotsman wanting the club to redevelop the historic stadium.
However, the move is now set for the summer with the final pieces now being put into place to sanction the move.
Everton closing in on Premier League safety for new stadium
Moyes’ return to Merseyside has provided quite the transformation around the club.
Another three points on the weekend against Crystal Palace has seen Everton climb 13 points clear of the relegation zone.
Moyes’ start at Everton has embarrassed Sean Dyche who struggled to get a tune out of the same group of players.
But the most important thing for Everton was to get through this season as a Premier League side to avoid any financial disaster heading into the new stadium.
And it looks as if that is exactly what the 61-year-old is going to provide on Merseyside.
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