My Experience Designing Everton’s Latest Stadium – Now Adorning an 1878 Tattoo

Overcoming Multiple Challenges

Designing Everton’s new stadium was far from a straightforward task, as it involved navigating numerous hurdles including relegation threats, a change in ownership, a global health crisis, and even the discovery of unexploded ordnance from World War II at the construction site. Dan Meis, the architect from Los Angeles responsible for the project, admitted, “Everything that could go wrong did.”

The architect faced the significant challenge of relocating passionate fans from the iconic Goodison Park, where they had been for 133 years. Although Meis had dealt with high-pressure projects in the past, he found Everton’s circumstances uniquely intense. “I’ve worked on important buildings like the Staples Center, but nothing compared to this,” Meis noted. The combination of the club’s heritage, the spirit of Liverpool, and the stadium’s location created a one-of-a-kind experience.

‘The Stadium Should Feel Like It Grew Out of the Dock’

Community Engagement

Initially surprised to be chosen for such a prestigious project, Meis immersed himself in the club’s history and closely interacted with the fanbase. He quickly realized their passion was intense, noting, “I learned from fan discussions that their emotions ran high, and not all feedback was kind.”

One heated topic was the stadium’s capacity. With seating for over 52,000, the new Hill Dickinson Stadium exceeds Goodison Park’s capacity by over 12,000 yet still falls short of Liverpool’s Anfield. “I received countless tweets insisting, ‘as long as we have one more seat than Anfield, we’re good,'” Meis recalled, adding that the fans’ input was central to making design decisions.

After considering various locations, the idea of constructing on the Bramley-Moore Dock solidified. “Bill Kenwright expressed a desire for a design that was both historical and forward-looking, which became quite the challenge,” said Meis. His vision included a design that appeared to emerge organically from the dock, inspired partly by sketches representing the Mersey River’s connection to the location.

Architectural Vision

Construction commenced in August 2021 and concluded in 2025, but the journey wasn’t without complications. The project faced threats of relegation on multiple occasions, changes in ownership, the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and financial uncertainties. The Toffees narrowly escaped relegation in the 2021-22 season, finishing just four points above the drop zone.

Nick Tyrer, the lead designer from BDP Pattern, expressed the complexities associated with such landmark projects, which are often influenced by broader societal factors. The design was finalized even as Everton faced the possibility of relegation, creating anxiety among project stakeholders.

A Tattoo for the Ages

With the stadium now completed, Meis has tattooed ‘1878’ on his body, paying homage to Everton’s founding year. He attended the first home match against Brighton, where the team secured a 2-0 victory. Reflecting on the emotional resonance of the event, Meis said, “I witnessed grown men with tears in their eyes, expressing how significant this moment was for them.”

One memorable moment involved a female steward who remarked, “He really listened to us,” highlighting the collaborative spirit of the project. Meis concluded, “This endeavor was never about recognition for me; it was about fulfilling the dreams of countless supporters.”