Football Ground Map > Articles > Expanding the home of Liverpool: History of Anfield's constructions, renovations
Over a century after calling Anfield their home, Liverpool Football Club is still expanding on the stadium, adding more structures and decorations that even the top UK casinos can only dream of.
Developers have been hard at work building the new Anfield Road stand, the newest expansion following Liverpool's main stand opening in 2016. According to a recent update, the club has announced that the new Anfield Road stand will increase stadium capacity to over 61,000 seats for the 2023-24 season.
The stadium began work in September 2021 and has since added three floors to a new stand in construction. The Liverpool drone video showcases a vast park for fans at the ground level, along with lounges for fans in the three stories above.
The stand can hold over 20,676 sports watchers. It is split by approximately 9300, 3100 and 7900 across the levels. The expansion promises to add over 7,000 new seats to the stadium. Around half of these seats will be classified as high-priced business seats, potentially increasing the stadium's future revenue.
Anfield Vice President of Operations Paul Cuttill noted that the stadium has remained operational throughout its construction period. Anfield has still been able to hold over 50 games and three concerts in its functional area. The construction has also not hindered training and events for the Liverpool Football Club.
Expansion history
The new stand construction follows a series of projects undertaken over the past decade. Shortly after the stadium was declared an asset of community value in 2013, Anfield began house demolition work in 2014 to prepare new space for development.
The stadium primarily focused on expanding the area behind the main stand, leading to architectural plans for the reconstruction. In December 2014, workers began laying the groundwork before finally installing steel structures in March 2015.
The development process also required major overhauls and removals from the old Anfield structure. In May 2016, after Liverpool's final match of the 2015-16 season, workers began removing the old structure's seats and roofing to make way for the new main stand. This caused some light inconvenience in later matches, leading Liverpool to face off against Burnley at Turf Moor later on.
Construction quickly advanced in the following months, eventually culminating in the rebuilt main stand revealed in September 2016. It would then hold the most amount of spectators since 1977, with over 53,000 fans witnessing Liverpool's 4-1 victory against Leicester F.C. on September 10.
While the cost of the new main stand remains ambiguous, construction was estimated at over £75 million. Investment-related spending added overall costs to a total of £114 million for the Merseyside club.
Liverpool also officially opened the AXA Training Centre in November 2020. The state-of-the-art training facility was constructed to give the club more spaces to instruct and train both Liverpool F.C. and the Liverpool F.C. Reserves and Academy players.
To commemorate the AXA Training Centre's opening, the club planted a time capsule with various memorabilia for future Liverpool generations to come. It also helped signify the importance of the new expansion, as it marked the occasion when Liverpool moved away from its long-time Melwood training grounds.
While Liverpool voiced fondness for Melwood, its smaller size and equipment made accommodating the club's ever-growing members, coaches and staff difficult. Built at Kirkby, the AXA Training Centre has solved many of the club's problems with its historic training grounds.
Compared to Melwood, not only did the new training ground have a goalkeeping space and a full-sized pitch area, but it also had extensive indoor facilities with gyms, a sports hall, and rehabilitation suites. In anticipation of press releases and media conferences, the training centre also hosts a TV studio with its own conference facilities and office spaces.
Anfield has numerous workers and overseers to thank for its rapid expansion in the decade. Among them, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has been pivotal in the club and the stadium's development.
Klopp has been present throughout most of Anfield's reconstruction period since he joined the club in 2015. He has overseen the period's training facility's development to the very end, and would later mark the first spade in Anfield Road's construction in 2021.
Current construction history
Liverpool has remained a household name in the UK and European football scene, having won numerous trophies in the past few seasons, including their sixth Champions League title in 2019 and Premier League in 2020.
The club's rivalry with other football clubs like Everton and Manchester United regularly fuels numerous sports-related bets in some of the United Kingdom's top sportsbooks and casinos. This allows the club to splurge on their facilities.
Anfield's most recent expansion is expected to add around £80 million or more in construction costs. This is part of the club's ongoing efforts to improve the Match Day experience for supporters and continue to be one of the most successful clubs in the world.
Over just two years, Anfield Road has reached a variety of milestones. Notably, development began with a safety net for visitors, spectators and players during the construction period. Around four months after the building commenced, Anfield placed Y-shaped columns that formed a space beneath to continue regular sports and events operations.
The columns opened up a safe zone for spectators and players to shelter in during match days, all while the stand's construction continued several stories above. Owing to the robust characteristics of the steel columns, they safeguard the spectators situated beneath against any potential hazards occurring above. This allowed developers to build a new roof for the stand, with plans to remove the old roof heading underway.
The new stand would then go through its official roof truss instalment in May 2022. The stadium erected two steel towers to the foundation. The workers would later install a pair of haunches to support the towers' weights, propping them up alongside the truss.
In a miraculous feat of skill and human ingenuity, a total of 30 engineers took 12 hours to connect the different components and put them in place. A pair of 600-tonne cranes came in to haul and maintain the building's shape. Workers would then use over 25,000 bolts to finally solidify the parts into the structure seen in the present day.
Anfield Road and its towering roof have reached new heights and can be seen all across the United Kingdom. The building's main frame, beams and columns have also been completed. Construction will eventually build on the structure's facade exterior in the following months, likely finishing sometime in the summer before 2023/2024 Premier League season starts.
More articles from Football Ground Map...
Football Grounds To Visit While You Still Can
All good things have to come to an end, and the same unfortunately has to be said for football stadiums too. This article looks at the grounds which are soon to host their last match, the stadiums whose days are numbered and where fans will be watching their football from next.
The biggest football attendances ever recorded
An in-depth look at the biggest football attendances ever recorded, from the 1950 World Cup to pre-season friendlies in the States and the Scottish ground with dozens of 100,000+ attendances
The World's Barmiest Football Fan?
Tony Incenzo has been to over 2,000 football grounds - is he the world's barmiest football fan? Read about his love for Non-League football and groundhopping obsession, including watching a match in prison!
The 91 Biggest Football Stadiums in Europe
The 91 biggest football stadiums in Europe. From Manchester to Munich, Villa Park to Valencia - each one with a capacity over 40,000
FAQs
When was the last time Anfield was renovated? ›
The record attendance of 61,905 was set at a match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1952. The ground converted to an all-seater stadium in 1994 as a result of the Taylor Report, which reduced its capacity.
What are the expansion plans for the Anfield? ›Stadium capacity
The changes will add 7,000 additional seats, made up of around 5,200 general admission seats and around 1,800 seats with sports bar lounge / hospitality facilities. This proposed capacity increase is the maximum achievable whilst complying with stadium design, safety and comfort standards.
Work began on the £80 million expansion in September 2021 and is on schedule to be complete this summer in time for the start of the 2023/24 season. The second phase of the expansion adds 7,000 seats to the Anfield Road End, taking the total capacity of Anfield to 61,015.
Is Anfield being renovated? ›The project, which is the third major building assignment of Fenway Sports Group's tenure on Merseyside after the Main Stand renovation in 2016 and the construction of the AXA Training Centre in 2020, will see Anfield add over 7,000 seats and take the stadium's overall capacity north of 61,000.
When was Anfield expanded? ›This is the third major capital build project undertaken by LFC in recent years, following the build of the new Main Stand in 2016, and the opening of the state-of-the-art AXA Training Centre in November 2020.
How many people were killed at Anfield? ›In total 97 people were killed; one of the victims died in 1993 when he was taken off life support, and another with brain damage passed away in 2021. In addition, more than 760 were injured. Immediately after the disaster, police blamed the incident on Liverpool fans, whom they alleged were drunk and disorderly.
How much did Anfield renovation cost? ›When the stand is finished, it will have cost FSG around $73m (£60m/€67m). However, it will bring Anfield's overall capacity to 61,000, making it the fifth biggest stadium in England and third in the Premier League after Old Trafford and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Is Anfield Forever finished? ›The story and associated designs will be finalised at the end of the 2021-22 season and revealed shortly after. Anfield Forever is the perfect opportunity to show your love for the Reds, share your LFC memories or make a dedication to friends and family. Stones, replicas and certificates can be purchased here.
Will the Kop ever be expanded? ›The club will now extend the trial of railed seating on the Kop and will use the winter break of the Premier League season to install an additional 2,500 rail seats. The expansion will be across blocks 202-306, rows 61-49 on the Kop. This will take the total rail seats in the Kop to 4,300.
Is Anfield the hardest stadium? ›Anfield is one of the most iconic fields for any football player and fans, a place of legends, titles, hardship and just pure emotion, this powerful combination makes it one of the toughest football grounds to play in. What makes Anfield so special?
Is the Etihad Stadium bigger than Anfield? ›
Only the Etihad Stadium in Manchester is larger than Anfield, but not by much with a capacity of 55,097.
Which stadium is bigger Anfield or Etihad? ›| Stadium | Capacity | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Etihad Stadium | 55,097 | England |
| Anfield | 53,394 | England |
| St James' Park | 52,404 | England |
| Hampden Park | 51,866 | Scotland |
The Reds have pencilled in that the project will be completed in time for the start of the 2023/24 season. It will see the overall capacity increase by 7,000 seats, taking the total possible attendance up to 61,000.
What are they doing to Anfield? ›At a cost of $97m (£80m/€90m) according to The Athletic, the Anfield Road Stand will boost the stadium's overall capacity to around 61,000 seats and bring it closer to being in line with the stature of the club.
Why does Anfield not host international matches? ›The size of Anfield's pitch means it is not a UEFA required stadium, which is the same reason why it's unable to host Europa League or Champions League finals. The playing surface at Liverpool's home stadium is smaller than the fixed dimensions of 105m by 68m that host stadiums must have.
Is Anfield under construction? ›The new stand is expected to be finished this summer, in time for the start of the 2023/24 season. Anfield Road End will then be able to seat 7,000 more fans, with the stand to have an overall capacity of 15,967.
What is the biggest football stadium in the world? ›In English this translates to “The Chocolate Box” due to it's unusual shape, which also gives it great acoustics, one of the reasons it's so intimidating and is one of the World's most iconic stadiums.
What does 96 mean on Liverpool? ›The ball also featured the number 96 - a reference to the 96 innocent men, women and children who died following the tragic terrace crush at Liverpool's 1989 FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest. The number had the symbolic eternal flame on each side.
What does 97 mean on Liverpool? ›Liverpool Football Club remembers the 97 supporters who died in the Hillsborough tragedy, on the 33rd anniversary of the disaster. As a result of the events that unfolded on April 15, 1989, at the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, 97 children, women and men lost their lives.
What was Anfield worst loss? ›
Record defeat at Anfield: 0–6 against Sunderland in First Division, 19 April 1930. Record-scoring defeat: 2–9 against Newcastle United in First Division, 1 January 1934.
When did Anfield collapse? ›After the crush in 1981, Hillsborough was not chosen to host an FA Cup semi-final for six years until 1987.
Was Anfield built for Everton? ›Anfield was built in 1884, but got initially rented by Everton FC. The first game at the ground, on the 28th of September 1884, saw Everton beat Earlstown 5-0. In 1891, Everton moved out of Anfield after a dispute over the rent, and one year later newly-founded Liverpool moved in.
Why did Anfield need regeneration? ›Anfield High Street Redevelopment
The high street is being updated to enhance public access to the stadium, and improve quality of life for those living in the area. The Anfield high street redevelopment is in collaboration with Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Football Club and Your Housing Group.
The limited engraved stones will be available in a variety of shapes and sizes, which will be installed in various locations around the outside landscape of the new Anfield Road stand. Prices start from £65.
Does Anfield have real grass? ›Anfield is now pristine all-year round. Eight heat and moisture sensors help monitor the best growing environment, while ground staff use 15 grow lights to cultivate the grass. Temperature and humidity can be controlled to speed up growth.
Does Anfield have artificial grass? ›Free artificial grass samples
Imagine how awesome your new lawn will be. Then pick your favourite and place your order. Your perfect garden is just a few clicks away.
A subsequent redesign of this stadium brought the capacity to 60,000, and planning permission was granted for this in 2003. Construction on this never progressed past the ground works due to a lack of funds.
Why is the Kop so special? ›Traditionally, Liverpool's most vocal supporters congregate in this stand and are referred to as kopites. Such is the reputation of the stand that it was nonsensically claimed that the crowd in the Kop could suck the ball into the goal and it has become one of the most famous football stands in the world.
What does the Kop mean in Liverpool? ›Anfield, home ground of Liverpool. Thousands of supporters across England sit in stands called the 'Kop'. The term is part of football vocabulary in the UK, in just the same manner as 'terrace', 'floodlight' or 'turnstile'.
What is the noisiest stadium in England? ›
James Park – Newcastle United – England. The Geordies know how to make a noise, that's for sure. St James' Park has been the home ground of Newcastle United since 1892.
Which is the most feared stadium in Europe? ›Westfalenstadion, Borussia Dortmund, Germany
With its capacity of 81,400, Westfalenstadion is the largest stadium in Germany and one of the most terrifying venues to visit as a footballer and even as an away fan.
Turk Telekom Arena, Istanbul
A trip to the Turk Telekom Arena is still a fearsome assignment - it's been measured as the loudest stadium in Europe at game time, and the presence of lit flares throughout the game gives it the appearance of something from a horror film.
Wembley, the United Kingdom
With a capacity of 90,000 seats, it is the most beautifully designed football stadium in the United Kingdom.
Who has the smallest pitch in the Premier League? The team with the smallest pitch in the Premier League is Watford, whose home ground, Vicarage Road, has a pitch size of 100x64 metres (110x70 yards).
Who has the smallest football stadium in the Premier League? ›This season, Bournemouth are home to the smallest ground with Vitality Stadium, otherwise known as Dean Court, able to hold just 11,364 supporters. Like Old Trafford, the venue was first opened in 1910 and completely rebuilt in 2001.
What is the most expensive stadium in the Premier League? ›1. Wembley Stadium - £1.17 billion.
What is the biggest stadium in the US? ›From Google's point of view, the matches between the clubs is often searched on the UK – over 182,000 times on a month! As the Red Devils and the Reds have won 66 trophies each, Man United vs Liverpool can be seen as one of the top games in world football – this is England's greatest historic rivalry.
Will Liverpool move from Anfield? ›It was announced in mid-2021 that Liverpool would be redeveloping the Anfield Road Stand in the next phase of the evolution of the iconic stadium.
Are Arsenal getting a new stadium? ›
After months of planning and several workshops with fans to get their views, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium will soon have a brand new look. Eight new designs will adorn the outside of the club's north London home, with the artwork officially unveiled at a launch event on Wednesday night.
Is Chelsea going to build a new stadium? ›Chelsea FC is planning to demolish Stamford Bridge and build a new £2bn stadium.
When was Anfield last renovated? ›Phase one (2015–16): Main Stand redevelopment
In April 2014, Liverpool F.C. revealed plans for an expansion of the Main Stand, which involved adding a new third tier, new matchday facilities and enhanced corporate facilities. The new stand would add 8,500 seats and take the capacity of the stadium to 54,742.
Liverpool get England match ban, you read that headline correctly, Anfield will not be able to host any Three Lions games.
Do they serve alcohol in Anfield stadium? ›Bottle Bars
A range of bottled beer will be available along with ciders, sprits, soft drinks and hot drinks.
Work began on the £80 million expansion in September 2021 and is on schedule to be complete this summer in time for the start of the 2023/24 season. The second phase of the expansion adds 7,000 seats to the Anfield Road End, taking the total capacity of Anfield to 61,015.
Does Liverpool have any American players? ›New York born and U.S youth player Matteo Ritaccio has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool, per the club's website.
Who has the widest football pitch? ›The largest football pitch allowable by FIFA is 120m by 90m. The maximum allowable area of a football pitch is therefore 10,800m2. In the UK, one of the largest football pitches can be found at the home of Manchester United — Old Trafford. The pitch size there is 106m by 69m.
When was the new Anfield built? ›Works started in January 2015 and were completed right before the start of the 2016-17 season. If there is sufficient demand, plans also include a possible expansion of the Anfield Road Stand, which would result in a final capacity of about 59,000 seats.
How much did the Anfield redevelopment cost? ›When the stand is finished, it will have cost FSG around $73m (£60m/€67m). However, it will bring Anfield's overall capacity to 61,000, making it the fifth biggest stadium in England and third in the Premier League after Old Trafford and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Who has the oldest football stadium? ›
Soldier Field in Chicago, home of the Chicago Bears is the oldest stadium in the league having opened in 1924. The stadium that has been used the longest by an NFL team is Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers since 1957.
Who has beaten Liverpool the most at Anfield? ›...
All-time league record.
| Club | Aston Villa | |
|---|---|---|
| L | Away | 39 |
| P | Total | 189 |
| W | 93 | |
| D | 40 | |
Arsenal have also defeated Manchester United in league competition on 74 occasions, which represents the most Manchester United have lost against any club.
What is Liverpool biggest win ever? ›Liverpool 11-0 Stromsgodset (September 17, 1974)
Under new manager Bob Paisley, Liverpool ruthlessly dismantled Norwegian amateurs Stromsgodset to post the club's biggest victory and a record that has now stood for close to 50 years.
The ball also featured the number 96 - a reference to the 96 innocent men, women and children who died following the tragic terrace crush at Liverpool's 1989 FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest. The number had the symbolic eternal flame on each side.
Why was Liverpool banned from Europe? ›On June 2, 1985, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) bans English football (soccer) clubs from competing in Europe. The ban followed the death of 39 Italian and Belgian football fans at Brussels' Heysel Stadium in a riot caused by English football hooligans at that year's European Cup final.
When did Mcdonalds leave Anfield? ›At one time a key part of a Red's matchday ritual, the McDonald's restaurant closed in 2003 due to insufficient profits. On November 21, 1995, the ECHO reported: "A hattrick of Big Macs appeared at Anfield today at the opening of Europe's first football ground burger bar, writes Melanie Harvey.