LIVERPOOL, England :Everton kicked off a new era at gleaming Hill Dickinson Stadium with fireworks and towering blue plumes of smoke on Sunday, 133 years to the day since Goodison Park had opened.

Although the fans had bid an emotional farewell to the ground affectionately known as "The Grand Old Lady" at the end of last season, the mood ahead of their Premier League game against Brighton & Hove Albion at the new 52,888-seat stadium was buoyant.

"There wasn't a dry eye in the whole building I don't think, really memorable occasion," said Michael Armand, whose dad Phil has had Everton season's tickets for 30 years. "But really excited for the fresh start.

"Still miss the old place, but should be great atmosphere, everyone's up for it," added Phil.

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