Industry News

Liverpool begin Anfield maintenance work

Liverpool has begun the summer maintenance programme at its Anfield stadium as part of preparations for the 2018-19 Premier League season.

A new pitch was installed at Anfield last season and the stadium will now undergo what Liverpool has called a ‘clean out’ to remove the grass and accumulations of organic materials. More than 120 tonnes of sand will then be added to the surface to ease the drainage process of the pitch, before the new grass is sown and nurtured for the start of next season in August.

Away from the pitch, Liverpool will add three more TV camera positions across Anfield’s Main Stand to provide broadcasters with a greater range of film locations. Work is also being done to improve access for heavy-goods vehicles at Anfield.

The roof of Anfield’s iconic Kop stand will also be repainted, with work on the Anfield Forever project to be completed. Anfield Forever is a landscaped area that forms part of the walkway along 96 Avenue at Anfield and work is set to be finished this summer.

Signage on the Kenny Dalglish Stand will also be updated to reflect the Liverpool legend’s recent knighthood. Additionally, Liverpool’s new Kop fan bar has begun its refurbishment programme. The bar has been converted from an old retail store and will feature live music and TVs for fans on match days. It is expected to open for the new season.

Earlier this month, Liverpool submitted two planning applications to Liverpool City Council to expand the use of Anfield to allow the stadium to host music concerts and other sporting events. The move is part of plans to transform the stadium into a year-round destination, with boxing, American football and Gaelic football cited by the club as possible sports that Anfield could host.

Image: Ruaraidh Gillies