Anfield to start season with reduced capacity due to redevelopment delays

As the start of the 2023/24 season fast approaches, Liverpool have been hit with a stumbling block.

Liverpool are set to delay the opening of the new Anfield Road, and now don't expect the redevelopment to be fully completed before October.

The Liverpool Echo reports that supporters will have to wait for the £80m work to be completed while attending a reduced capacity stadium for at least the first two Premier League home games in 2023/24.

Liverpool are still hoping to get the stand open for the return to club football after the next international break, which will see the Reds face a visit from West Ham United on Sunday, 24 September. Until then, Anfield will temporarily have a reduced capacity of around 51,000 for at least the home games against Bournemouth and Aston Villa.

Liverpool could also face a Europa League opener at Anfield in that time period, but the Reds may request their European campaign get start away from home.

Originally, the club had hoped construction on the new Anfield Road end would be completed in time for the first Premier League home game on 19 August, against Bournemouth, after requesting their first Premier League fixture be an away fixture to allow more time for the redevelopment.

It is reported that Buckingham Group, the head contractor company of the redevelopment, expects the work to be completed in October.

The construction of the new Anfield Road end upper tier will add more than 6,000 seats and take the overall capacity of Anfield to 61,000. Despite the work, the lower tier will remain open throughout the redevelopment period.

Liverpool managing director Andy Hughes said: “This has been a hugely ambitious and complex construction project right from the start and I would like to thank everyone who has played a part.

“Unfortunately, the upper tier of the Anfield Road Stand is not quite ready for the Bournemouth game. The main contractor, Buckingham will therefore work with Liverpool City Council’s licensing team to deliver a phased opening process.

“As with any complex major construction project of this scale, there are always so many variables and challenges along the way.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while we work through the next few weeks with Buckingham to complete this programme and we can’t wait to have this great new Anfield Road stand fully open for supporters.”