As Everton prepares to bid farewell to Goodison Park, their home for 133 years, fans are expressing frustration over the confirmed date and time for the final match at the iconic stadium. The Premier League clash against Southampton, set for Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM, has sparked discontent among supporters who feel the early kick-off undermines the historic occasion.
Goodison Park, affectionately known as “The Grand Old Lady,” has hosted more top-flight games than any other stadium in England since opening in 1892. The match against Southampton marks the end of an era before Everton relocates to their new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the 2025/26 season. Fans had hoped for a later kick-off, ideally a Sunday afternoon slot, to allow for proper pre- and post-match celebrations befitting the stadium’s legacy.
The Everton Fan Advisory Board (FAB) had urged the Premier League and broadcasters to schedule the game on Sunday at a “sensible time” to accommodate match-going fans, especially considering the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 17, which limited scheduling options. Fears of a Monday night slot, which would have clashed with work commitments and limited celebrations, were alleviated, but the 12:00 PM start has still drawn criticism. Fans on X voiced their dismay, with one calling it a “pathetic time slot” that hampers the atmosphere and inconveniences traveling Southampton supporters. Another labeled it a “non-event,” citing the inability to soak up the pre-game atmosphere or participate in extended post-match tributes.
Everton requested the game be held on the penultimate weekend to avoid clashing with the Premier League’s final day, when title races and relegation battles often dominate attention. This ensured the farewell could be a standalone spectacle, but the early kick-off has dampened the mood. The club has sought special permission from Liverpool City Council to extend celebrations post-match, potentially allowing fans to stay until 11:00 PM with continued alcohol sales, hinting at plans for a memorable send-off.
Despite the scheduling disappointment, the match carries emotional weight. Goodison has been a pilgrimage site for generations, hosting legends like Dixie Dean and epic nights like the 1985 European Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final against Bayern Munich. As Evertonians prepare to say goodbye, the early start may limit festivities, but the passion of the fanbase will ensure “The Grand Old Lady” receives a heartfelt farewell.
