As Everton prepares to bid farewell to Goodison Park, the club’s historic home will be transformed into a sea of blue for its penultimate match against Ipswich Town on Saturday. The supporter group, the 1878s, is orchestrating a grand display featuring tifos, banners, and ticker tape to create a memorable scene that will be cherished for generations. This momentous occasion marks the culmination of months of planning, celebrating the club’s rich heritage and 133 years of memories at Goodison Road.
Katie Carter said: “We will be living at Goodison this week. As a group, what we want to do is to make an iconic image that will live forever. There are so many memorable images of Goodison from the last nine months but we want this to be the lasting one – the one that the 1878s’ work at the ground is remembered by. We are hoping to create the scene that goes on people’s walls, is kept as their screensaver – that the club always return to. We want to give her the best send off we can.”
The event is set to be a landmark day, with new flags in the Gwladys Street, tifos in the Family Enclosure and the Park End, and banners in the Paddock. Ticker tape will adorn the Top Balcony, Upper Bullens, Upper Gwladys, and the front of the Park End. Supporters are also encouraged to wear blue, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere.
Katie Carter said: “It will take some work. Our biggest achievement as a group has been helping to bring players and supporters together. We have had people aged from eight to 80 helping us this year. It has been unbelievable watching people as they have helped out and seeing their faces light up at seeing Goodison in a different light. Bringing people together and supporting the players has been the main thing. It has been an absolute privilege and honour to have been part of this season. Now we want to go out with a bang – Goodison deserves it.”
This grand farewell is not just about the visual spectacle but also about the community and spirit that Goodison Park has fostered over the years. The 1878s have been instrumental in uniting players and fans, creating a sense of camaraderie that transcends generations. As the Toffees prepare to move to their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, this event serves as a poignant reminder of the legacy and memories that will forever be associated with Goodison Park.
The Liverpool Echo has also released a special souvenir edition to commemorate this historic occasion. The publication delved into the archives to share fascinating stories from Goodison’s past and celebrate the legends who have graced its pitch. This edition is available for purchase, offering fans a keepsake to remember the iconic ground.
