Goodison Park Sports Fan Tips
Goodison Park is a venue in or near Liverpool that is most often used for Soccer
Things to check out around Goodison Park?
If you are looking for guided tours Everton has a 75 minute option that also includes the player's tunnel and dressing room visits although these are not done on matchdays or before a match. They only cost £12 for adults and £6 for children (under 16) but booking is strongly recommended.Other than this, there isn't a great deal to do around the stadium but it is only 20-25 minute car journey away from Liverpool City Center which has a range of shops and attractions to keep the tourist in you entertained.
What to expect from the Goodison Park crowd?
Away seats are together in the two-tiered Bullens Road Stand and there are around 3,000 seats to accommodate them but both sides tend to mix freely in this friendly and relaxed environment.The atmosphere of the home team is great, particularly when they are winning and although there is a mild local rivalry with Liverpool FC (over at Anfield) generally it is a happy and upbeat environment with few problems. Away fans are usually warmly received so there is very little chance of danger or issues (although perhaps avoid wearing the Liverpool FC kit in the grounds!).You can get your gear or merchandise from the online shop before the match or on the day in the on-site souvenir shop where programs are also available.If you are looking for a chant for FA cup games, one of the favorites is:We shall not, we shall not be movedWe shall not, we shall not be movedJust the like team that's going to win the FA CupWe shall not, we shall not be moved
Best Pubs around Goodison Park?
While there is very little in the immediate area surrounding Goodison there are two favorite options of the locals within 15 minute walking distance.The first is a pub on Walton road called the Thomas Frost which is a Wetherspoons and has cheap drink and food prices for before or after the match. With a mix of supporters it is a good atmosphere on match day and is one of the local hangouts, that being said it can be incredibly busy.Another alternative is the Bradleys Wine Bar which is an extra minute walk down the road which is also a friendly match day atmosphere and in fact is less like a "wine bar” and serves a lot of traditional beer and ale.For visiting fans who don't like to mingle with the home crowd, The Arkles pub is also quite popular and you can usually find the away fans from Anfield just down the road in there as well. This is only 10-15 minute walk away and shows live sports during the day.
Best Food and Drink at Goodison Park?
The outdoor "fanzone” at Goodison, situated behind the Park Stand can have entertainment, food and alcohol and is free entry to visiting supporters. Arriving early to this area is recommended because the queues can get quite long.In the stadium itself, Chang (the Everton sponsors) serve alcohol in the away section before the match and during half time but the queues can be long and they stop serving 15 minutes before kickoff so get in their quick (and always take your ID with you).Generally you can bring a few of your own small snacks however; cans, bottles or glass is not permitted in the stadium and bags are searched on entry. There are small kiosks selling hot and cold drinks and beverages around the stadium although these are quite minimal. A pie and a pint for example will cost you around £4.50-£5.
Best restaurants near Goodison Park?
The Thomas Frost Wetherspoons which although is cheap and cheerful and only 15 minute walk away, it can get very busy for a proper family meal so you may need to look for other alternatives.For those looking for a sit down meal (that you can opt to take away before or after the match) some of the locals prefer the Hot Wok Restaurant which caters to Chinese and English cuisine and is reasonably priced. They offer meal deals that you can call to order ahead of time before a game and a main, side and drink costs around £6-£8. Being around 10 minutes away from the stadium this can be a handy place to visit.A better option if you are looking to make an evening of it is the Segura Wine Bar and Bistro which brands as a steakhouse serving British and Spanish food as well as serving a traditional Sunday roast. While it is a pricier option it makes a great transition from afternoon to evening and is a favorite meet-up choice for those looking to rendezvous before heading out on the town.
Best Insider tip at Goodison Park?
Get to your seats early before kickoff and stewards throw toffees at the crowd (a symbol of the team) so you may find yourself getting free sweeties!
How do I get to Goodison Park?
Getting to Goodison Park is relatively simple on match days as there is a shuttle bus from Sandhills Rail Station, just north of Liverpool City Center that take you straight to the grounds.If you are looking to get a train, Lime Street Railway station is the closest and only 2 and a half miles away from the station and walking should only take 30-40 minutes which is a cheaper alternative on a nice day or in the summer.Alternatively you can get the 19/19A or 20/21 bus opposite Lime Street station which take you to the grounds. Taxi options are available and are approximately £6-£9 for the journey from the city center (although it's cheaper if you share and split it between you.)Liverpool Central Station is the railway station for those travelling regionally or nationally and from there you can change to either Kirkdale or Lime Street station which will get you close to the grounds.
Goodison Park seating?
The capacity of Goodison Park is 39,572 and the best seats for atmosphere are in the famous Gwlady's Street end lower with the home fans where there are excellent views and gives you a real sense of comraderie for the game! These tickets are around £43 which is about the same price as most of the other seating such as the main stand at £48 and the top balcony at £42.There is also a family enclosure at Goodison Park and the tickets are around £42 and junior tickets are around half price regardless of where you sit.The worst seats in the house are generally the rear seats in the upper and lower tiers because it is the furthest away (even though there isn't much difference in price!). It is also important to note that in the main stand, Bullens road and Gwladys street there are restricted seats so always check your seat when you are booking to make sure you know your view.Also, be wary of taking cameras with you, a camera phone photo is generally perceived as ok but professional type or "proper” cameras are generally not allowed unless you have a press pass, especially for the higher profile games.