Anfield: The Complete Guide to Liverpool’s Legendary Fortress

Introduction

Few stadiums in world football are as synonymous with atmosphere, emotion, and history as Anfield. It is more than just bricks and mortar; it is the spiritual home of Liverpool Football Club and the stage for some of the most famous nights in European football. From the spine-tingling pre-match rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” to the roar of its famous Kop stand, a visit to Anfield is an unforgettable sensory experience. For Liverpool fans, it is a place of worship; for visiting supporters, it is the ultimate test of nerve and character.

This guide is designed to be the definitive resource for anyone planning a trip to Anfield. This document contains all the essential information you need, whether you are a lifelong Red making the pilgrimage, an away fan preparing for a hostile but thrilling welcome, or a neutral groundhopper eager to tick off a bucket-list stadium. We will cover its unique history, technical details, a priority guide for away fans, the best travel options, the famous local pub scene, and how to get the most out of the stadium tour.

History and Key Facts: From Everton’s Home to Liverpool’s Heart

Anfield’s story is unique, beginning not with Liverpool FC, but with their fiercest local rivals, Everton. To truly understand the stadium’s soul, you must know its history of division and birth.

The Unlikely Beginning: Everton’s Original Ground

Anfield stadium opened in 1884, and for the first eight years of its existence, it was the home of Everton FC. John Houlding, the club’s president and Anfield’s landowner, found himself in a bitter rent dispute with the Everton committee. Unable to resolve their differences, Everton left Anfield in 1892 to move to a new ground on the other side of Stanley Park, which would become Goodison Park. Left with an empty stadium, Houlding decided to form his own football club to play there. On June 3, 1892, Liverpool FC was founded.

The Birth of The Kop

The Kop, one of the most famous stands in world football, got its name in 1906. A new stand was built, and a local sports journalist named Ernest Edwards nicknamed it the “Spion Kop” in honour of the many local soldiers who died in the Battle of Spion Kop during the Second Boer War in South Africa. For decades, it was a vast, open terrace that housed over 28,000 standing supporters whose combined voices created a huge wave of sound that intimidated opponents.

The Bill Shankly Revolution

When the legendary manager Bill Shankly arrived in 1959, he transformed not only the team but also the stadium. He famously converted a boot storage room into the “Boot Room,” a legendary inner sanctum where Liverpool’s strategy was forged for decades. Shankly insisted the team wear its now-famous all-red kit in 1964. He also installed the famous “This is Anfield” sign in the players’ tunnel to motivate his own players and strike fear into the opposition. He turned Anfield into a modern football fortress.

Eras of Dominance and Tragedy

Anfield became a European fortress under Shankly and his Boot Room successors Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, and Kenny Dalglish. The club dominated English and European football in the 1970s and 1980s. This era was also marked by sad events. The Hillsborough disaster in 1989, in which 97 Liverpool fans died, had a profound and lasting impact. The Hillsborough Memorial, with its eternal flame, is now a permanent and moving tribute to the victims next to the Shankly Gates. The Taylor Report resulted from the disaster and mandated that all top-flight stadiums, including Anfield, become all-seater venues.

The Modern Era: Expansion and New Heights

In the 21st century, the club had to choose between building a new stadium and redeveloping Anfield. Under the ownership of Fenway Sports Group, the decision was made to stay at their historic home. A new, state-of-the-art Main Stand was completed in 2016, holding over 54,000 people. After that, the Anfield Road Stand was ambitiously redeveloped. This new expansion, which took place in stages through 2024 and 2025, pushed Anfield’s capacity to over 61,000, ensuring the stadium’s legacy lives on for a new generation.

Technical Data and Architecture

Capacity and Record Attendance

After the newly expanded Anfield Road Stand is fully open, the official capacity of Anfield is approximately 61,276. The stadium’s record attendance was during its terracing days. A crowd of 61,905 watched Liverpool play Wolverhampton Wanderers in an FA Cup match on February 2, 1952.

The Four Stands

The four stands at Anfield each contribute to the stadium’s unique atmosphere:

  • The Kop (Kop Stand): The most famous stand, located on the southwest side. It is now an all-seater, single-tier structure, but it still houses the club’s most passionate and vocal fans and is the spiritual heart of the stadium.
  • The Main Stand: The largest stand at Anfield, with three tiers holding over 20,500 spectators. It houses the directors’ box, the teams’ changing rooms, and hospitality areas.
  • The Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand: Located opposite the Main Stand, it was formerly known as the Centenary Stand but was renamed in 2017 to honour one of the club’s greatest figures.
  • The Anfield Road Stand: This is the newest part of the stadium, situated on the northeastern side. It houses both home and away fans and has greatly increased the ground’s overall capacity.

Pitch Dimensions and Surface

The Anfield pitch measures 101 by 68 meters (110 by 74 yards). Like most modern top-flight stadiums, it has a hybrid Desso GrassMaster surface, which combines natural grass and synthetic fibres for resilience and quality.

The Away Fan’s Guide (Priority Section)

Anfield is one of the most exciting away days in the Premier League. Here is what visiting fans need to know.

Location and Allocation

Away fans are housed in the lower tier of the newly expanded Anfield Road Stand. The standard allocation for Premier League games is about 3,000 tickets, though this number can be reduced for cup competitions.

View from the Away Section

The view from the away section is generally considered to be very good. The seats are fairly close to the pitch, and there are no obstructions to the view. Being in the lower tier puts you right in the middle of the action. The proximity of the home fans in the upper tier of the same stand and The Kop to your side makes for a loud and sometimes tense atmosphere.

Tickets – Prices and Distribution

As is standard, away tickets can only be bought through the official channels of the visiting club. You should never attempt to buy tickets from unofficial sources. For all league fixtures, the Premier League has a £30 price cap for away tickets.

Security and Local Etiquette

Expect to go through normal security checks upon entry. As Anfield is in a densely populated residential area, please be respectful of the local residents. While the city is usually safe during the day, on the night of a big European game it is best not to wear away colours in the city centre, as passions can run high.

Catering and Facilities

The concourses in the redeveloped Anfield Road Stand are modern but can still get very crowded, especially at half-time. A variety of typical stadium food and drinks are available, such as pies, hot dogs, and beer.

Practical Information – Travel and Parking

Anfield is not in the city centre, so you need to plan your trip in advance. Driving is not recommended.

  • Bus: This is the best way to get to the stadium. The 917 express bus service runs directly from St. John’s Lane in the city centre to Anfield, starting a few hours before kick-off. Regular city buses, like the 17 from Queen Square Bus Station and the 26 or 27 from Liverpool ONE Bus Station, are also great choices.
  • Train: Liverpool Lime Street is the main station. From there, you will need to take a bus or taxi to the stadium. Kirkdale and Sandhills are the closest local Merseyrail stations, but they are still a significant walk of 25 to 30 minutes from the ground.
  • Taxi: A taxi from the city centre to Anfield will cost about £10–£15. This is a good option for a small group, but make sure you allow enough time for traffic.

Arriving by Car and Parking Challenges

It is strongly advised not to drive to Anfield. The stadium is in a heavily residential area, and on match days, a residents-only parking scheme is in effect.

  • Official Parking: There is very little official parking, and it is mostly for supporters who need accessibility assistance and those who have a permit.
  • Goodison Park / Local Car Parks: A popular option is to park in one of the many secure, paid lots near Everton’s Goodison Park. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk through Stanley Park to get there.
  • Park and Ride: Liverpool does not have a dedicated park and ride service for football, so parking outside the city centre and taking a bus is the next best option.

The Stadium Area: Pubs, Food, and Atmosphere

The pubs around Anfield on a match day are famous but highly partisan.

Away Fan Friendly Pubs

  • The Arkles: This is the well-known, designated pub for away fans, located right next to the Anfield Road end of the stadium. It gets very busy very early, but it is the safest and most convenient place for a drink near the ground.
  • City Centre: The safest and most varied option is to drink in the city centre, where there are hundreds of pubs and bars, before taking the bus to the stadium closer to kick-off.

Home Fan Pubs (To Be Avoided by Away Fans)

It is very important that visiting supporters do not attempt to drink in the main home pubs around the stadium. These include The Albert, The Park, and The Sandon (the birthplace of Liverpool FC). These are strictly for home fans only.

Pre-Match Food

The streets around the stadium, especially Walton Breck Road, are lined with food stalls and takeaways serving everything from burgers and chips to pizza and kebabs. You can also find vendors selling “Scouse,” the city’s famous traditional stew.

The Museum & Stadium Tour

The Anfield tour is an immersive experience that gives you an inside look at the club.

Tour Highlights

  • A view of the pitch and the city skyline from the top level of the Main Stand.
  • A visit to the home and away team dressing rooms.
  • The chance to walk down the players’ tunnel and touch the famous “This is Anfield” sign.
  • Sitting in the manager’s dugout.
  • A visit to The Kop to experience the view from the famous stand.
  • Entry to the club’s interactive museum, “The Liverpool FC Story,” and the trophy exhibition.

Opening Hours and Prices

Tours run daily but do not operate on a home matchday. You must buy your tickets online and in advance because tours often sell out. Standard stadium tour tickets for an adult cost about £25–£30. Other types of tours, like “Legends” tours, are available for a higher price. For the best price and guaranteed entry, always book through the official LFC website.

Summary: Key Tips for Your Visit to Anfield

  • Book in Advance: You should book your match tickets, stadium tours, and travel well in advance of your visit.
  • Trust the Bus: The 917 express bus from the city centre is the best public transport option. Do not drive to the stadium.
  • Arrive Early: The atmosphere around Anfield builds hours before kick-off. Arriving early allows you to take it all in, especially the emotional rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” right before the match starts.
  • Know the Pub Etiquette: For away fans, stick to The Arkles or drink in the city centre. There are dedicated pubs right next to the stadium for home fans.
  • Be Respectful: Take a moment to visit the Hillsborough Memorial. It is a place of quiet reflection and deep significance for the club and its supporters.

Key Visitor Information