Everton's new stadium, Hill Dickinson Stadium, opened last August after a tumultuous construction journey. Architect Dan Meis, who designed the 52,000-seat venue, faced immense pressure translating the club's passionate fanbase into a new home away from Goodison Park. Meis, known for designing the Staples Center, initially doubted a club like Everton would hire a US firm, but became deeply invested in the project's history and the city's identity.

He engaged closely with fans, who fiercely debated the stadium's capacity, ultimately aiming to balance revenue generation with preserving the club's football-first ethos. The design, inspired by the Mersey washing over Bramley-Moore Dock, incorporated fan feedback to ensure the pitch felt intimate despite the larger size. Construction began in 2021, coinciding with Everton's relegation battles and a change of ownership from the Friedkin Group in 2024.

Technical hurdles included unexploded WWII ordnance found on the dock site, requiring shutdowns during excavation. The stadium's opening marked a significant moment for Meis, who received a 1878 tattoo honoring Everton's founding year. He described the first match as emotionally powerful, highlighting fan appreciation for his team's engagement.

The project stands as a landmark achievement amid the club's challenging seasons.