Iliman Ndiaye netted the final goals at Goodison Park as Everton ended 133 years of history with a fitting 2-0 victory over a poor Southampton team.
Horace Pike of Nottingham Forest was the first player to score at this stadium back in September 1892, while Fred Geary scored Everton's first goal in a 2-2 draw. However, it was Senegal's Ndiaye who had the last word.
The 2,791st men's senior match at Goodison Park was a joyous occasion from start to finish as fans bid farewell to the old stadium in anticipation of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
Following The Friedkin Group's decision not to demolish the stadium, Everton's women's team will take over next season. Nevertheless, this was the final time Goodison Park was packed to capacity.
Despite the official attendance of 39,201, thousands more supporters showed up with blue smoke and pyrotechnics to celebrate the occasion. Tickets were reportedly being resold for over £1,000 but pleas for spares went unanswered.
The chaotic scenes outside the stadium caused traffic jams and led to the cancellation of the planned team coach welcome. Former world cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew had to navigate through the crowd to assist a fan in a wheelchair.
The match kicked off with a deafening roar from the fans, following a parade around the pitch by club legends. Everton's colors were flown at half-mast as the fans enjoyed the unique atmosphere for the last time.
While the focus was on the historic surroundings, the on-field action did not disappoint. Beto was denied by Aaron Ramsdale early on, but Ndiaye broke the deadlock with a cool finish from 20 yards out.
Captain Seamus Coleman returned to the starting lineup after a long injury layoff but had to be substituted after just 18 minutes. With several players out of contract, Coleman has been assured of a new deal for next season. However, Ashley Young will not be retained.
Ndiaye added his second goal in added time, a neat finish from Dwight McNeil's pass. Out-of-contract players like Abdoulaye Doucoure and Jarrad Branthwaite, who left the field with an injury, could have played their last game for the club.
Despite the passionate chants from the fans, there was no fairytale ending with another goal at the Gwladys Street End.