We're 48 hours away from an Everton and Hajduk duel in Liverpool!
We know, we sound like a broken record, but this Everton and Hajduk duel is no joke. While Poljud Stadium is nearly sold out for the match on August 24th, with just 900 tickets left in the West stands, 850 Hajduk supporters have purchased tickets for the match in Liverpool this Thursday at Goodison Park.
Because we are just about 48 hours away from kick off in Liverpool, we thought we would bring those of you attending the first leg bits and pieces of helpful information to make your stay in Liverpool is as painless as possible.
But first, here are a few things you should know about Everton Football Club.
Did you know that Everton Football Club is 33 years older than Hajduk? Formed in 1878, Everton Football Club is also one of the founding members of the first football league in England.
Everton played their first home games ever at Anfield Stadium, home of their close neighbors, Liverpool FC, who formed four years after Everton.
The club, which is celebrating 125 years at their current home stadium Goodison Park (first opened August 24, 1892), is in the middle of purchasing a new waterfront stadium in the city center of Liverpool.
Goodison Park is known as one of the world’s oldest purpose-built football grounds, with just over 40k capacity. The stadium has hosted more top-flight games than any other stadium in England, and it also acted as the venue for the FA Cup Finals and the 1966 FIFA World Cup. Not too shabby.
You'll hear Everton supporters refer to the Goodison as “The Grand Old Lady.”
Now, if you need help traveling to the stadium on Thursday, use this as your travel bible.
Public Transport:
Goodison Park can be easily reached via public transport - by bus, train or a combination of the two.
By Bus
Services from Queen Square Bus Station in Liverpool city centre – 19, 20, 21, 310, 345
Services from St John’s Lane – 919
Services from Liverpool ONE Bus Station – 26 (walk from Everton Valley)
Service from St John's Lane (opposite Lime Street Station on match days only) 919
Other services which don't operate via the City Centre but serve Goodison Park include - 68/168 (Bootle - Aigburth Vale) and 62/162 (Crosby/Bootle - Penny Lane)
* - service operates evenings and Sundays only
By Train
The closest rail station is Kirkdale on the Northern Line, which is approximately 1 mile from Goodison Park.
From John Lennon Airport in Liverpool
Liverpool John Lennon airport is approximately 11 miles from the ground.
Take the 80A or 86A bus from the front of the airport to Liverpool South Parkway bus/rail interchange. Then take a Northern line train to Sandhills station to connect with the Soccerbus service.
Soccerbus
The “Soccerbus” is a frequent shuttle bus service that runs directly between Sandhills Station and Goodison Park for all Everton Premier League and cup matches played at home.
If you’re traveling by train, you can ask for a ticket to ‘Goodison Park’ and for an add-on of £3, you’ll get a return trip on the Soccerbus.
You can also pay as you board the bus which will cost you £3.50 for a return ticket. The Soccerbus is also free for those with valid Trio, Solo or Saveaway tickets or a Concessionary Travel Pass.
The stadium is also walkable from the Liverpool city center (3 miles away) and you can get there by foot in about 45 minutes.
Oh, and a taxi will cost around £8 - there will be plenty.
It is suggested that fans leave themselves enough time to get to the stadium. There will be crowds, and we can assure you that all forms of public transport will be busy. Kickoff is at 20:05 local time.
And one last friendly reminder: No alcohol will be served in the stadium during the match.
If you’re a Hajduk supporter and you find yourself in Liverpool on Thursday evening wanting to attend the match, tickets will also be available to purchase at Goodison Park Stadium two hours before kickoff.
