What happened on Everton’s opening day at Hill Dickinson Stadium?
Everton marked the beginning of a new chapter with the grand opening of the Hill Dickinson Stadium, a gleaming modern home on the Liverpool waterfront. The celebrations included fireworks, towering plumes of blue smoke, and a sense of history as the event took place exactly 133 years to the day since Goodison Park first opened.
Fans didn’t have to wait long for a historic moment. In the 23rd minute, Iliman Ndiaye scored the first competitive goal at the new ground, tapping in Jack Grealish’s cross against Brighton & Hove Albion. It was a goal that set the tone for what promises to be an era-defining move for the club.
But the question on everyone’s lips remains: why is Everton’s new stadium called Hill Dickinson?
Why is Everton’s new home called Hill Dickinson Stadium?
Everton’s new ground carries the name of Hill Dickinson, a Liverpool-based law firm with origins dating back to 1810 – 68 years before Everton Football Club was founded.
The stadium naming is the result of a long-term commercial partnership between the club and the firm. According to Everton, it is not just a regular deal but “one of the largest stadium naming rights agreements in Europe.”
For Everton, the deal secures significant revenue that supports construction costs, operations, and player investments. For Hill Dickinson, it provides unrivalled visibility on a global stage as Everton competes in one of the world’s most-watched football leagues.
Who exactly are Hill Dickinson?
Hill Dickinson is one of the UK’s most established law firms, with deep roots in Liverpool’s maritime past. Initially specialising in shipping and insurance law, the firm has since expanded into healthcare, real estate, and commercial services.
What makes the partnership particularly fitting is Everton’s historic connection with the firm. William Cuff, one of the founders of Cuff Roberts (a predecessor to Hill Dickinson), went on to become chairman of Everton Football Club in the early 20th century.
His dual legacy in both law and football makes this naming agreement uniquely symbolic.
Today, Hill Dickinson employs thousands of professionals worldwide, with offices in London, Manchester, Leeds, and Singapore yet its headquarters remain firmly anchored in Liverpool.
Where is Hill Dickinson Stadium located?
Everton’s new home stands proudly at Bramley, Moore Dock in the Vauxhall area of Liverpool. Once a bustling commercial dock, it has been transformed into a modern football venue that retains nods to its industrial heritage.
- Capacity: 52,888 seats
- Ranking: 8th largest stadium in England, 11th largest in Britain
- Upcoming events: Set to host matches in UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2025 Rugby League Ashes
This makes Hill Dickinson Stadium not just Everton’s new home but also a major landmark in British sport.
Why do football clubs sell stadium naming rights?
Naming rights deals are common in modern football, where clubs trade stadium branding for corporate sponsorships that generate vital revenue. These deals can fund stadium construction, strengthen finances, and boost competitiveness.
Some notable examples include:
- Emirates Stadium: Arsenal’s £100m+ deal with Emirates Airlines
- Etihad Stadium: Manchester City’s long-standing partnership with Etihad Airways
- King Power Stadium: Leicester City’s connection to King Power International
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: still searching for a naming rights partner, showing how competitive and valuable these agreements can be
Unlike many clubs that partner with global airlines, banks, or retail giants, Everton chose a Liverpool-born law firm with global reach making their deal stand out.
How significant is Everton’s deal with Hill Dickinson?
Everton described the partnership as a “long-term agreement” and “one of the largest stadium naming rights deals in Europe.” The scale of the deal places it alongside some of the biggest sponsorships in world football.
The significance lies not just in the financial impact but also in its authenticity. By partnering with Hill Dickinson, Everton aligned with a brand that shares its Liverpool identity and history, rather than an external sponsor with no local ties.
How does the stadium benefit Everton and the community?
Financial boost for Everton
The revenue from Hill Dickinson helps Everton offset the massive costs of stadium construction while investing in players and facilities to stay competitive in the Premier League.
A community landmark
With its location on the docks, the stadium has created jobs, regenerated an underused area, and attracted investment into Liverpool.
Global visibility
Hosting UEFA Euro 2028 matches and the 2025 Rugby League Ashes ensures that Hill Dickinson Stadium will gain international attention, reinforcing Everton’s global brand.
How does Hill Dickinson Stadium compare to others in Britain?
| Stadium | Club | Capacity | Sponsor Type | Notable Fact |
| Emirates Stadium | Arsenal | 60,704 | Airline | £100m+ deal |
| Etihad Stadium | Man City | 53,400 | Airline | Renamed in 2011 |
| King Power Stadium | Leicester City | 32,312 | Retail (Duty-Free) | Named after Thai owner’s brand |
| Tottenham Hotspur St. | Tottenham | 62,850 | None yet | Searching for sponsor |
| Hill Dickinson Stadium | Everton | 52,888 | Law Firm | Local and historical ties |
Everton’s choice is unique it is the only major British football stadium named after a law firm with historical connections to the club.
What is the long-term legacy of the Hill Dickinson name?
The Hill Dickinson partnership is not just about present-day finances. It strengthens Everton’s identity, ensuring their new home reflects both football ambition and local history.
For future generations of supporters, the name will be a symbol of both continuity and progress, a bridge between Everton’s Goodison Park past and its Bramley-Moore Dock future.
FAQs on Everton’s New Stadium Name
When did Hill Dickinson Stadium officially open?
The stadium officially opened in August 2024, exactly 133 years after Goodison Park first welcomed fans.
Who scored the first goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium?
Iliman Ndiaye scored the first competitive goal, finishing Jack Grealish’s cross against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Why was Hill Dickinson chosen as the naming partner?
Because of their long-standing history in Liverpool, global reach, and direct connection through former Everton chairman William Cuff.
How large is the stadium?
Hill Dickinson Stadium seats 52,888 fans, making it the eighth-largest stadium in England.
Will Hill Dickinson Stadium host international events?
Yes, it will host matches for Euro 2028 and the 2025 Rugby League Ashes, raising its profile globally.
How long is the naming deal?
Everton has described it as a long-term partnership, though the exact contract length remains undisclosed.
How does the deal compare to others in the Premier League?
It is one of the largest in Europe and unique for involving a law firm, unlike the airlines, banks, and retail giants sponsoring other clubs.
