Goodison Park
Liverpool, England
Anfield
Liverpool England
Anfield is a world-renowned football stadium located in Liverpool, England, with an official seating capacity of 61,276 following recent expansions. As the iconic home of Liverpool FC since the club’s formation in 1892, it stands as one of the most intimidating and atmospheric grounds in global sports. The stadium is best known for its unique relationship with its supporters, specifically through the famous Spion Kop, which creates a wall of sound that has defined European football nights for decades.
Photo de Mark mc neillsur Unsplash
FYI2023, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photo de David Baylisssur Unsplash
Capacity
61.276
Stadium History
History of the Stadium
Anfield opened in 1884 and was originally the home of Everton FC before a rent dispute led to the creation of Liverpool FC in 1892. The site has undergone massive transformations, evolving from a simple field into a four-stand all-seater arena. Major milestones include the construction of the original Kop in 1906 and the conversion to an all-seater stadium in 1994 following the Taylor Report. In recent years, the landscape of the Liverpool district has changed with the completion of the massive Main Stand in 2016 and the Anfield Road Stand expansion in 2024, significantly increasing the capacity to accommodate modern demand.
Architecture & Design
The architecture of Anfield is a blend of traditional English football design and cutting-edge engineering. The Main Stand is one of the largest single stands in European football, featuring a three-tier structure with a glass-fronted facade that offers views over the city of Liverpool. In contrast, the Spion Kop remains a single-tier powerhouse designed to keep fans close to the pitch. The stadium utilizes a cantilever roof system in the newer stands to ensure there are no restricted views, while the red brickwork throughout the exterior maintains a visual link to the industrial heritage of the Liverpool area.
Identity & Fan Culture
The identity of Anfield is inseparable from the anthem You Will Never Walk Alone, which is sung by the Liverpool FC faithful just before kickoff. The culture is defined by a deep sense of community and the display of hand-painted banners and flags, particularly on the Kop. Matchdays in Liverpool are a ritual involving heavy local participation, where the fervor of the crowd is often credited with inspiring the famous Anfield roar that has seen Liverpool FC overturn significant deficits in continental competitions. The atmosphere is respectful yet intense, focused on collective vocal support.
Origin of the Stadium Name
The name Anfield originates from the old townland of Annefield in New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland. The land in Liverpool was owned by John Orrell, a brewer, and was named after the Irish region. While many modern stadiums have moved toward commercial naming rights, the venue has remained simply Anfield throughout its history, preserving its historical brand despite the global commercial expansion of Liverpool FC.
Records & FunFacts
The record attendance at Anfield was set in 1952 when 61,905 fans watched Liverpool FC play Wolverhampton Wanderers. An iconic feature inside the tunnel is the This Is Anfield sign, installed by Bill Shankly to instill fear in opponents and pride in his players. Aside from football, the stadium has hosted world championship boxing, rugby league internationals, and major concerts by artists such as Taylor Swift and Liverpool’s own Paul McCartney.
Who's play in Anfield
Events Hosted Here
1996 UEFA Euro
Football
How to get to Anfield
Anfield is situated approximately two miles north of Liverpool city centre. The most efficient way to reach the stadium from Liverpool Lime Street station is via the 917 express bus service, which operates directly from Commutation Row. Additionally, the 26 and 27 buses run from Liverpool ONE bus station. For those using the Merseyrail network, Sandhills station acts as the primary link where the Soccerbus shuttle operates on matchdays. Walking from the city centre takes about 45 to 50 minutes through Everton Park. Parking near the ground is extremely limited due to residential permit zones, so public transport is the recommended choice for visitors to Liverpool FC.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
For the most authentic atmosphere, the Spion Kop is the primary choice, though it requires standing for much of the match and offers a lower perspective of the pitch. The Main Stand provides the best overall views and the highest level of comfort, featuring padded seats and extensive concourse facilities. The middle tier of the Main Stand is often considered the premium viewing spot. For those seeking lower prices, the upper tiers of the Anfield Road Stand or the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand are generally more affordable. Most seats at Anfield are now covered by the roof, and the steep inclination of the newer stands ensures excellent sightlines even from the highest rows.
Where to eat and drink near Anfield
The area surrounding the stadium is rich with historic supporter pubs. The Sandon, located on Oakfield Road, is the birthplace of Liverpool FC and remains a primary gathering spot. Another staple is The Albert, situated right next to the Kop, famous for its pre-match singing. For food, Homebaked Anfield is a community-owned bakery across from the stadium famous for its Scouse Pie, a traditional Liverpool meat stew in pastry form. Inside the stadium, concourses serve Carlsberg beer and standard football snacks like burgers and hot dogs. The Fans’ Park on Anfield Road also provides food stalls and large screens for pre-match entertainment.
Good to know
Anfield is a strictly cashless stadium, so you will need a card or mobile payment for all food, drink, and merchandise. Security is tight, and a small bag policy is enforced; bags larger than A4 size are generally not permitted. On days of the Merseyside Derby against Everton FC, tensions are high but generally segregated well. It is advised to arrive at the turnstiles at least 45 to 60 minutes before kickoff to navigate the electronic ticketing system. For international visitors, the digital NFC ticket on your smartphone is the standard method of entry.
Fan Shop
The flagship Liverpool FC Store is located at the stadium within the Main Stand complex, featuring a massive range of kits and memorabilia. There is also a significant official club store located in Liverpool ONE in the city centre, which is convenient for fans staying in urban hotels who want to avoid matchday crowds.
