Everton have stated their intention to have a 52,000 capacity for their proposed new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
The club have held a public consultation with supporters and there will be scope in the future to raise the capacity to 62,000 in the future.
The stadium will also be 'futureproofed' for any changes in regulations in relation to 'safe standing', which will make it easy to adopt a safe standing solution.
The size and design of the new ground by the waterside remain subject to planning permission and public consultation but the club have finally settled on the number of seats following discussions with industry experts and engagement with fans.
An assessment of current numbers estimated up to 8,000 new season ticket holders — although a more realistic estimate might be 3,000 to 5,000 — from a waiting list of 10,000 could come on board at the new stadium.
This would add to the 32,000 already on their books and the club are confident they can consistently fill a 52,000-seater ground.
Two stands will be designed to be able to adopt rail seating/safe standing should there be a change in the law and supporters express a desire for it to be introduced, with further future-proofing meaning capacity could be upscaled to 62,000.
A second public consultation will be held in the summer when proposed designs and an initial overview of proposals for Goodison Park will be presented, with a planning application due to be submitted in late 2019.
'At this stage, it is important to stress that this is our 'proposed' capacity and it is what we are currently working towards,' said stadium development director Colin Chong.
'It is important to emphasise that the final capacity and design will be subject to further engagement and consultation.
'We believe that our approach is the right one because it is commercially and financially sustainable and will mean that, in the long term, we will be able to increase the capacity should there be a demand and requirement to do so.'
Patrick Myanmar
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It sounds like Everton will be fighting for relagation zone in those years.
meisser
1
We have the potential for 62k and the business model makes sense to have a baseline of 52k with 10k more if required. We should be celebrating a new stadium is a step close. That said love Goodison. 💙⚽️💙
bigfcber
1
I think it will be quickly filled but at least we aren’t saying it can never grow!
Landtiger
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I’d accept 55,000 rising to 63,000- 65,000. But an initial 52,000 capacity for land mark stadium on the waterfront just smacks of a lack of ambition by the board. Zero belief.
Jayhayes
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I’m a bit disappointed in that, due that the figures to fans will go down due to co-operate seating
foolhardy
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52,000 is too small now. Shocking that the club have gone this low.
herbivoro
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Announcement is great but the starting capacity is terrible.
category
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I think the vast majority of fans will feel this shows a lack of ambition and suggests fans input has been ignored.
knackereda
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Sensible business - 55k to satisfy current demand, and 62k IF we get established at the top table again
masterfor
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52000 isn’t enough. It’s really disappointing. People are too focused on estimating what the attendance would be today and forgetting that this will be our home for the next 100 years.
unclein
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I think we should be looking at 60 - 70,000 capacity. This will mean prices can stay at a reasonable level and still be able to attract international and prestige matches too.
category
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Spot on for me, would rather fill 52,000 every week than have empty seats
playlove
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Satisfied it’s a sensible approach. I sit at Goodison now at the start of every game an wonder where another 20’000 fans are going to come from.
makefile
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Build it for 62,000 but seat it for 52,000. If we sell out every week, as I suspect we will at 52,000 all we have to do is install the additional seats. If we don’t get ready for it now it’ll never get done.
osatrab
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The fact that it could be expanded is great news IMO
Jimmymay
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Absolutely fantastic news!! Exactly what I was hoping for. We should be focusing on what’s best for us instead of worrying about the capacity of other stadiums. Couldn’t be happier!!
laptop
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If that's the numbers then so be it . Future proofed too . BRING IT ON.
oldestwo
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All’s I’ve seen all day is 52k isn’t enough, We have season ticket sales now of 32k with 10k waiting list allow for away fans
Lincolns
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Sounds perfect to me, very clever thinking, we need to be champions league on regular basis to fill 60,000 which were not, plus we don't want to loose the atmosphere. 👍
Eddiegaddis
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All of a sudden every fan has become an expert in stadium building. 52000 is fine with me
condition
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The last thing we need as a club is loads of empty seats like the etihad sometimes has, id rather fill out 52k for 5-10 years, then expand as nessacary, good call by the club
Schluppe
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Great news. Definitely the right decision. If performances dip and we go through a bad spell, nothing worse than a half empty stadium. Atmosphere must come first!
Fikadmrsu
1
my club