Anfield, the iconic home of Liverpool Football Club, has undergone a remarkable transformation under the ownership of Fenway Sports Group (FSG). When FSG took over the club in 2010, Anfield’s capacity stood at 45,362, and there were initial discussions about relocating. However, FSG ultimately decided to remain at Anfield and embarked on an ambitious redevelopment project.
The first major redevelopment took place in 2016 when the Main Stand was expanded, adding an impressive 9,000 seats and increasing the capacity of the stadium. This was followed by a stunning makeover of the Anfield Road Stand, which further increased the capacity to 61,000. The changes have made Anfield unrecognizable from the stadium FSG inherited.
However, with demand for tickets always surpassing supply, fans are naturally wondering if there is the potential for further development at Anfield. Expanding the stadium further poses significant challenges. The Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand and the Kop, two of Anfield’s iconic stands, are bordered by housing and a main road, respectively, leaving no space for expansion. Making significant changes to these stands would have a major impact on the existing community surrounding the stadium.
Instead, FSG is likely to focus on other parts of the stadium for development. Sam Kennedy, CEO of FSG, has previously mentioned the possibility of ancillary development within the existing grounds. This could involve projects such as the Kop Bar in the Kop, which replaced the old club shop, and plans for an underground fan zone in the new Anfield Road Stand. Additionally, there are plans for more hospitality lounges, improved concourses, and new public foot and cycle paths.
If another stand were to be subject to development, it would likely be the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand. This stand is the oldest in the ground and has the fewest facilities for supporters, as well as limited legroom. While there are no immediate plans for redevelopment, a report in 2023 suggested that FSG may consider improving the stand. However, reconfiguring the lower tier to provide more room for fans could result in a reduction in capacity.
While it may be unrealistic to expect a renovation on the scale of the Main Stand or Anfield Road End, there are still possibilities for updating and modernizing the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand. However, due to fully occupied homes directly behind the stand, a major renovation is not possible.
Space limitations in the immediate vicinity of Anfield also pose challenges for further development. FSG had previously pursued extensive development around their other sports franchise, the Boston Red Sox, and their home stadium, Fenway Park. However, Liverpool Council is pushing for regeneration in the surrounding area, with plans for a £4 million scheme to upgrade the main road leading to the stadium. The focus is on creating a greener and safer experience for residents and visitors.
While significant changes to Anfield may not be on the horizon, there is still potential for internal development within the stadium and improvements in the surrounding areas. FSG remains committed to enhancing the fan experience while being mindful of the residential nature of the neighborhood. Ultimately, the goal is to create a stadium that not only reflects Liverpool’s rich history but also serves as a hub for the local community.