You won’t believe where hundreds of Everton fans ended up before the big match! Forget the usual routes, a bustling city centre street surprisingly became the new unofficial pre-game spot, with pubs overflowing. Could this unexpected location be the start of a new matchday tradition for the Blues?

Despite the highly anticipated opening of Everton FC’s new stadium and its first competitive match on Sunday, August 24, a significant number of loyal supporters chose an unconventional pre-game ritual, transforming a quiet city centre street into an unexpected hub of activity. Instead of heading directly to the Bramley-Moore Dock area, hundreds of Everton fans disembarked their trains a stop early, diverting to the heart of the city.

This strategic detour saw countless football fans descend upon Moorfields, a station conveniently within walking distance of the new stadium but crucially, also the city centre. This choice allowed them to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Liverpool before the kick-off, creating a new matchday experience distinct from the usual routes directly surrounding the ground.

The unexpected beneficiary of this surge was Dale Street, an area not typically associated with mass football fan gatherings. Over what became one of its busiest bank holiday weekends in years, pubs and bars along this street witnessed an unprecedented influx of Everton fans, spilling out onto the pavement in lengthy queues, indicating a potential new, unofficial watering hole for the Blues.

Establishments like the Denbigh Castle, a well-known loyal Blue pub, experienced a remarkable transformation. Even on quieter match days, it draws a crowd, but the inaugural competitive game at the new stadium led to a noticeably larger and more sustained influx of Everton FC supporters, making it a focal point for the pre-match festivities.

Staff at the Denbigh Castle recounted a positive experience, noting the exceptionally nice atmosphere amongst the crowds. The presence of so many friendly regulars, combined with the general excitement of the first game, contributed to a truly enjoyable day for workers, highlighting the respectful and convivial nature of the fan culture.

The economic ripple effect extended beyond the Denbigh Castle. Just around the corner, The Eberle Pub also significantly benefited from the overflow of Everton fans. Other venues lining Dale Street observed a bustling scene, with hundreds gathering, creating an unusual but welcome sight for businesses typically accustomed to a more subdued bank holiday.

Bartender Jamie Gaw, speaking to local reporters, described the phenomenon: “People came in from about three or four hours before the game. There was a lot of Everton fans inside and piling out around the street, easily a few hundred outside waiting.” He further emphasized the great atmosphere and the quality of people present.

Eve Foster from Dale Street Social echoed these sentiments, noting that Dale Street was “chocker” all afternoon. Following the game’s conclusion, thousands more Everton fans appeared, adorned in flags, dressed in club colours, and singing joyously, further cementing the street’s unexpected role. With the next Everton FC match scheduled for Saturday, September 13, at 3 pm, the question remains whether Dale Street will once again experience a similar flood of football fans or if this extraordinary occasion was merely a lucky goal for its venues.