What Makes The Liverpool Stadium Special?
Anfield is one of the most well-known football stadiums in world football. It is the home of Liverpool FC, which is a hugely popular football club with fans from all over the world. Anfield has played a big part in the history and success of the club as a whole, making for some truly unforgettable moments for Liverpool fans and neutrals alike.
During most games throughout the football season, Anfield welcomes thousands of adoring fans from all over the world. For some, taking the trip to Anfield is one of the most endearing things they will take part in. So what is it exactly about Anfield that makes people feel this way?
Liverpool Football Club’s home of Anfield is incredibly special and in this article, we will take a look at why this is and how it is woven into this club’s rich history. However, first - let us get you up to speed on the history of this iconic stadium.
History Of Anfield Stadium
Liverpool was founded in 1892 by, John Houlding. Through disagreements between the directors of Everton and John - who owned Anfield. The local rivals of Liverpool thought it wise to leave the stadium over disputes regarding the rent. Ultimately leaving the now-iconic home of the reds empty.
Soon after Everton left the stadium to move across to the opposite side of Stanley Park and have Goodison Park deem their new stadium to call home. However, back in Anfield, the club started to do well in top-flight divisions. The reds’ achievements were matched by architectural ambition as Anfield became one of the most impressive stadiums in the country - due to heavy investment.
In 1906, the most famous stand in the stadium was built - The Spion Kop. This stand was named after a Boer War site in which 300 men lost their lives. Many of these men were in fact from Liverpool, and as a result, the name of that stand was shown in tribute. Since then, the Kop has become the area in Anfield stadium that is best associated with having the most devoted and passionate of Liverpool fans.
The stadium was able to expand further with extensions being built to accommodate the growing fanbase that the club was accruing due to the club’s success.
In 1920, Anfield Stadium had extensions for it to hold 30,000 spectators of the beautiful game. There wasn’t much seating during this time and this resulted in an almighty atmosphere in which you were a part of legions of fans all singing together in unison.
The stadium continues to grow in size even to this day. At the time of writing, the stadium currently holds 53,394 spectators - with plans to expand in the future. Over time, Anfield has built a fearsome reputation with only a handful of visiting teams looking forward to the prospect of playing the mighty reds in their home ground.
The Stands of Anfield Stadium:
To understand the inner workings of Anfield, let’s take a look at the places fans sit within the stadium:
The Kop:
As mentioned above - The Kop is commonly associated with the stadium and houses some of the most loyal Liverpool fans. The Kop faces southwest and holds over 12,000 people.
The Anfield Road End:
Holding almost 10,000 fans, the Anfield Road end is another famous stand that is cited in songs by Liverpool fans. This is the stand that is due to be expanded upon at the time of writing.
Main Stand:
The Stand underwent redevelopment in the 2016/17 season and has some modern amenities. It is the stand that contains the tunnel and the dugout, as well as many hospitality seats for those connected to the club.
The Kenny Dalglish Stand:
This stand was once named the Kemlyn Road stand but was renamed to honour former player and manager - Sir Kenny Dalglish. For Liverpool fans, he is an icon of the beautiful game and is lorded for his achievements with the mighty reds.
The Surrounding Areas
Anfield is named after the place it was built in, the Anfield borough of Liverpool. Many families live in the area and this is part of what makes it special. Another thing that makes it special is the pubs and tourist hotspots that you can visit when you’re attending a game.
The pubs around Anfield are a special place to be on match day. Whether you drink alcohol or not, it’s worth checking out these atmospheric places.
The Albert
185 Walton Breck Rd, Liverpool L4 0RE
The Albert is visible from the Kop and has an amazing atmosphere. Expect a lot of singing and good vibes all around. This is a great spot to visit on matchday and is a staple of many homegrown fans' routines.
The Arkles
77 Anfield Rd, Liverpool L4 0TJ
This pub is located near the away fans' seating spot and is somewhat popular with travelling supporters. The locals are very welcoming and are more than likely to accommodate anyone who wants to visit the Arkles.
The Park
194 Walton Breck Rd, Liverpool, Merseyside L4 0RQ
This pub is generally considered to be a regular pub but on a matchday, all are welcome to take in the atmosphere and chat with the locals.
The Team
Last but not least, how could we forget the team itself? Liverpool FC is one of the most important factors in what makes Anfield so special. Over the years, they have lit up the world with exciting performances and many of them have happened within their home ground.
With a large trophy cabinet and all sorts of history, Liverpool FC has carved a place in football history for the hallowed ground known as Anfield. With expansions continuing on the stadium, it looks as though plenty more memories will be made here over the next few years.
Final Thoughts
At the time of writing, Liverpool have maintained their status as one of the most prestigious football teams in world football. Both from a domestic sense as well as within Europe.
The current team under Jurgen Klopp has made for some amazing moments that Liverpool fans will never forget at Anfield. Most notably and recently their 4-0 Champions League win over Barcelona. A game that resulted in Liverpool going on and beating Tottenham Hotspur in the final.
Anfield is a special stadium for Liverpool fans and neutrals alike. If you haven’t experienced a game at Anfield. We strongly suggest that you buy Liverpool tickets and visit Anfield.