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Everton's move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium has brought a new matchday routine for supporters, though transport and access around the ground have continued to draw attention this season.
Against that backdrop, one upcoming event at the stadium has now been shifted elsewhere, with Everton confirming a switch of venue for a charity fixture involving some of the club's most celebrated former players.
Everton confirm Goodison Park switch for Game4Hope
The inaugural Game4Hope fixture was originally pencilled in for Hill Dickinson Stadium but will instead be staged at the club's former home ground, Goodison Park, on Saturday, 26 September, according to a club statement.
Coincidentally, the same date is also when new road restrictions around Hill Dickinson Stadium are due to come into force, with motorists facing fines of up to £1,000 for certain violations. Everton fans have already been warned about the changes, which form part of the new matchday traffic arrangements around the club's new home.
The switch means the Grand Old Lady will once again host a major fixture, giving Everton's returning legends the chance to step out at a ground where many of them made their names, rather than the club's new home on the waterfront.
Legends set for Merseyside reunion
The kick-off for the event remains at 4.45pm, with a Merseyside XI managed jointly by Everton great Peter Reid and Liverpool icon John Barnes taking on a Rest of the World XI co-captained by Brazilian legend Rivaldo and Clarence Seedorf.
The Everton contingent is set to include Leighton Baines, Gareth Barry, Phil Jagielka, Yakubu, Joleon Lescott and Louis Saha, lining up alongside former Liverpool players such as Robbie Fowler, David James, Ryan Babel, Jari Litmanen and John Aldridge, with Tim Cahill named as Merseyside captain.
Rivaldo will be joined by former Brazil teammate Cafu, while Jaap Stam, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Mustapha Hadji and Des Walker are among the other notable names representing the Rest of the World XI.
/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballgroundguide.com%2Fmain%2F2024%2F08%2FICONSPORT_238156_0003.jpg "Why Goodison Park will now host Everton legends match after Hill Dickinson Stadium U-turn 1")
A number of celebrities are also expected to feature, including Tony Bellew, Big Zuu, Molly McCann, James Nelson-Joyce and John Bishop, while Ted Lasso actors Toheeb Jimoh and Moe Hashim, former boxing world champion Johnny Nelson and Gladiators star Nitro are also set to take part. Tinie Tempah will provide the half-time entertainment.
The fixture, which will raise money for Everton in the Community and Shelter, is set to be broadcast live and free-to-air on Channel 5, with coverage starting from 4pm.
FGG says: A fitting stage for a special occasion
Goodison Park may no longer be Everton's competitive home, but it feels like a natural venue for an occasion bringing so many former players back together.
Bringing some of those former Everton names back to Goodison should make for a memorable afternoon, particularly given the stadium's place in the club's history.