Everton release first details of Goodison Park farewell plans

Everton are planning a season of special events to help supporters make the most of Goodison Park as the club bids farewell to the famous stadium.

Shows will see a stage built on the pitch and spectators watching from the Gwladys Street as heroes of the past and present are introduced for ‘evening with’ showpieces.

The club is also exploring the potential to host more non-first team matches at the ground while the date of the final Goodison charity sleepout has been set.

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Everton are well advanced in preparations for the final season before the move to the club’s new waterfront home. The release of the fixture list this week, which revealed Southampton will the last side to play at Goodison in the league, provided clarity over one of the most significant dates of the coming year.

Now, Everton have provided a few more. On Wednesday, August 21 the club will host an evening dedicated to the club’s cult heroes before, on Wednesday, October 16, the final ‘giants of Goodison’ will be inducted into the club hall of fame. There will be an increase in the number of stadium tours for those who wish to take one last opportunity to walk out of the tunnel to Z-Cars, more club legend experiences and a new pitchside ‘farewell experience’.

Some home matchdays will be themed, plans are being worked on for additional matches beyond the first team to be hosted at the ground and the final charity sleepout for Everton in the Community will be held on Friday, October 11. Commemorative merchandise and specialist publications will also be released through the season.