Corporate Facilities
One of the major issues restricting revenues at Anfield is the inadequate corporate facilities. The new stadium proposal includes tiers of boxes and corporate floors as all new stadiums, with the exception of one end which would be a vast bank of spectators uninterrupted by corporate boxes, in order to duplicate the array of passionate humanity in keeping with the traditions of the famous Kop. As described above redevelopment of Main Stand /Anfield Road stand could equally accommodate corporate facilities thus addressing the shortfall in the same manner as the new stadium would.
It is unlikely in the extreme that Liverpool will ever generate as much via corporate income as the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham, by nature of the simple fact that the economy in the northwest does not have firms of Investment Bankers or Financial Institutions like the capital. Without patronising it is unreasonable to expect even the most successful Merseyside firms to spend as much on corporate hospitality as their more affluent peers from the south-east.
Programming the Construction
One area in which the new stadium holds the advantages is in programming construction to minimise short-term disruption in revenues. The planning issues are resolved and construction of the new arena could be carried out in its entirety without any effect whilst fixtures are played at the existing site.
Redevelopment would inevitably mean that capacity is reduced in the short term. I recall when the Main Stand was constructed in the early 1970’s it was done in three phases and rather than closing one side of the stadium at least one third of that side was always in use to some extent. Nevertheless the cost implications of this would have to be factored in to any decision. Possibly, if diversion of Anfield Road could be agreed, it would be possible to construct behind the existing Annie Rd end throughout the football season with the demolition of the existing stand and subsequent construction of new front section of the new stand undertaken during close season and into the early part of the following season. By doing this a huge stand could be populated, which would then minimise the effects of losing the Main Stand for a year or so.
Tradition
I listed at the start of this piece a just a few of the memorable occasions which Liverpool fans have held dear. Add to that the personal memories such as first visit, first derby match etc and it is understandable why many fans are reluctant in the extreme to countenance demolition of their ‘home’. Let’s not forget the countless times that supporters ashes have been scattered in the Kop goalmouth or on the terrace itself over the decades. No matter how much thought is put into the new design, the risk of losing something treasured lingers.
In the sixties some bright spark on Liverpool City Council gave approval to demolish the famous Cavern Club on Matthew Street made famous by the Beatles. Of course the Cavern Club still attracts thousands of tourists every year, but those tourists have to make do with a replica Cavern Club which has since been built across the road, once the mistake was discovered. If Liverpool FC demolish Anfield, they will no doubt have a superb stadium but if it loses it’s magic they will not have the option of rebuilding a replica of the original in the way of the Cavern.
Aesthetics
Undoubtedly any new stadium in the park would be a sleek state-of-the-art work of beauty, and in this regard this option holds sway. However, as ugly as some may consider the current ground, in my eyes I consider it the most beautiful building in Britain. Seriously. I know it may be a bit of a hotch-potch of styles but whenever I approach it, it inspires me as much as St Paul’s Cathedral or Westminster Abbey. And let’s face it, no matter what the outside appearance of any stadium once inside the focus is firmly on the rectangle of luscious green turf.
So, in summary, it is clear that there are so many factors and considerations to take into account for Fenway Sports Group and the new Liverpool Board of Directors that it is understandable that they are taking ample time and surely receiving expert advice before announcing their decision. There is no obvious correct decision, each option having advantages in different areas. Luckily for them, unlike recent decisions over the manager’s position and incoming transfers the supporters are showing patience over the issue, and I suspect that not many are feverishly checking their twitter updates for the latest stadium news.
Hopefully I have outlined the advantages and disadvantages of both options, and although I started out writing with what I thought was an open mind, during the course of composing this blog you have probably gathered that I have come down marginally on the side of the Redevelopment option.
Please use the comments facility below to let me know your thoughts on which option you would prefer. Although it will not be a scientific survey, more of a straw poll it would be interesting to assess the groundswell of opinion.
Sorry it was so long – wasn’t meant to be.
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we cant fill our ground as it is now so more seating, for what exactly? we are losing our fans from outside the city as they only follow us after our 30 snapshot of winning things out of our 110 year history… stay where we are I say!!
If Anfield can become a 65-70 thousand seater fine, if not new stadium, whatever, it’s the fans that make Anfield what it is and they always will.
No argument – expand Anfield. It’s feasible and can be taken to 55-60 thousand capacity. Good enough.
Relocate to a new stadium. It’s the only way to be sure of keeping pace at the top. Glorious the memories of Anfield may be but it’s had it’s day. Don’t look to the past, look to the future.
Did Newcastle not knock & rebuild two of their stands in the closed season and have them more or less ready for teh start of the new season
Redevelopment of Anfield is no harder than a new build, is certainly cheaper and should be pursued. Furthermore, a capacity of 76,700 is achieveable with planning permissions. Look what was achieved in planning permission in a short period under the H & G regime.
The footprint of Anfield can be facilitated to that capacity if the Anfield Road End gains the necessary permissions. Bearing in mind we own the area behind now as part of the original Plaza project (and the houses have already been demolished) that area of the stadium will be key to the development as the reaminder of the stadium can be wrapped in phases.
As eluded to earlier, works have been done in the past without major disruption to attendance and due to the angle of stands required on 2 sides to match the Centenary side, works can be conducted to the rear and even the roof built spanning the existing roofs until their removal is necessary and probably in close season without disruption on matchdays. Roads around the stadium are closed on matchday anyway so no change there.
The KOP needs a higher angle and due to constraints in Lower Breck Road will most likely be rounded to the rear as well instead of the current irregular shape that does not make best use of space.
The KOP should and will always remain the single commanding icon of the stadium, and rightly so.
Stay at Anfield, keep the faith.