GWLADYS
Bramley Moore & 60,000
By Paul, the esk
The proposed capacity of our new stadium at Bramley-Moore continues to be a
contentious point among Evertonians. There are those that say we ought to be
conservative, we’ve only once in our history had a season average attendance of
50,000, we can grow the stadium in future years if demand is proven. Others like
me, will point to all the evidence from other new stadia builds to build a convincing
case for 60,000.
Confusion
The club, it has to be said, have not helped the contention with a statement in December from Stadium Director,
Colin Chong that offered 52,000 but then mentioned the potential for 62,000 whilst explaining there were no
plans or timetable for such expansion. This was further confused by Deputy Chairman, Keith Harris of all people
claiming (incorrectly in my opinion) that the introduction of safe standing would increase capacity at some
point in the future.
Let’s start with the logical argument, demand and affordability.
Under the “leadership” of the former CEO, Robert Elstone the club’s position has always been that there is a limit
to the capacity increase because the demand for seats based on Goodison Park was limited. Before we get into the
specifics of Everton, it is worth looking at the “new stadium effect” on attendances across a number of clubs.
Since 1988, 32 Football League & Premier League clubs have moved to a new ground. If we compare the average
attendances 5 years prior to the move versus 5 years after average attendances increased by 62%. If we look at
clubs that had more than 80% stadium utilisation prior to the move (i.e. had average attendances greater than
80% of capacity) the increase in attendances, over the same time frame, are striking.
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