Everton's new stadium has been a double-edged sword for fans. While it offers a state-of-the-art venue and a host of commercial opportunities, the location has presented unique challenges for supporters. The stadium's riverside setting, close to the city center, has its advantages, but it also means that Everton's schedule is packed with weeknight games, making it difficult for fans to attend. This has led to a situation where many supporters are missing out on home games, with one season-ticket holder expecting to miss seven or eight this season alone. The club is aware of this issue and is taking steps to improve the fan experience, such as conducting "experience surveys" and making modest improvements to the area, like upgrading street lighting and access to the nearby train station. However, the main criticism has been centered around the transport infrastructure around the stadium, which has been exacerbated by the number of night-time matches. Despite these challenges, Everton's new stadium has attracted delegations from other clubs exploring possible stadium moves, and the club is confident that it is on course to deliver its strongest annual commercial performance to date. However, the stadium has yet to become the fortress that Everton crave, and the team has only managed five wins in 16 matches. The question remains: can Everton find a way to make the new stadium feel like home for their fans?
