Liverpool has officially announced the opening of the upper tier of the recently revamped Anfield Road stand for the much-anticipated match against Manchester United, expanding the stadium’s capacity to over 57,000.
The construction project, initiated in 2021 with an initial target for completion at the beginning of the 2023/24 Premier League season, encountered setbacks, including delays caused by the appointed construction company filing for administration. Consequently, the Anfield Road stand had only been partially accessible for the majority of the ongoing campaign.
Following a successful trial event on Monday, Liverpool confirmed the extensive opening of the Anfield Road side for the upcoming derby against Manchester United on Sunday. The official statement on the club’s website noted, “The next stage of the planned phased opening of the new Anfield Road Stand will see the expanded upper tier open for supporters for the first time.”
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The elevated capacity exceeding 57,000 provides an opportunity for Liverpool to achieve their highest home attendance since 1973 when 56,202 spectators witnessed a goalless draw against Leicester City.
Vice-president of stadium operations, Paul Cuttill, expressed enthusiasm about the development, stating, “This is fantastic news and testament to the sheer hard work and commitment that all involved in this complex project have put in.” He acknowledged the challenges, including the company entering administration, and praised the fans who attended the test event for making the early opening possible.
While the Anfield Road stand is not fully operational, additional work is required before the final phase of redevelopment is completed, ultimately increasing the capacity to over 60,000.