Further Development Of Anfield Could See A Reduction In Stadium Capacity
As Liverpool close in on the completion of the new Anfield Road Stand, it’s been suggested that further redevelopment of the Reds’ home could actually see a reduction in the stadium’s overall capacity. Phase two of Liverpool’s Anfield expansion plan will be completed this summer with the Anfield Road Stand taking capacity to just over the 61,000 figure, marking a fulfilment of a key promise that FSG made upon purchasing the club, to provide a 60,000-seater stadium for Liverpool FC.
However, some supporters are eager for further expansion after the completion of the Anfield Road End. This is an extremely difficult and complicated issue due to the fact that people live in homes directly behind the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand. It is important to note, though, that it is very early days and far from anything confirmed or in the works. The Sir Kenny Dalglish Lower Stand is the oldest in the stadium and by far the smallest legroom and least facilities for supporters.
The stand itself was renovated back in the early 1990s, adding the upper tier to become the Centenary Stand. But the lower stand, The Kemlyn Road Stand as it was prior to 1992, didn’t actually change its layout. So the current Lower Kenny Dalglish Stand dates back to well before the 1990s, while the Upper tier is now over 30 years old too. The lower tier has a capacity of 6,814, with the upper 4,600. The overall capacity of 11,762 (including executive boxes), makes it the smallest in the stadium after the renovation of the Anfield Road Stand.
The Main Stand renovation required the demolition of three rows of houses, removing an entire street. But those ouses were largely disused and derelict. The homes directly behind the Sir Kenny Stand are fully occupied and are just that, homes. Liverpool Football Club, rightly, won’t be looking to demolish homes on Skerries Road. However, development of the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand would be wise for the aforementioned reasons of providing modern facilities, with wider internal concourses, in all areas of the stadium.
Images Credit: Liverpool FC
