Liverpool FC has submitted two planning applications to expand the use of Anfield stadium for music concerts and a wide range of non-football sporting events.

If given the green light, LFC could host up to 10 concerts or other events every year, mainly outside the football calendar.

The club says the applications submitted to Liverpool City Council form part of plans to make the stadium a “year-round destination”.

As part of the planning permission, the club would be allowed to host non-football sporting events such as boxing, American football or Gaelic football, and would also be permitted to screen a wider range of football matches including Reds away fixtures and international games.

LFC believes additional events will bring economic benefits to the Liverpool City Region, more job opportunities for people in the area, and increased revenue for local businesses.

Bringing a wider programme of events to Anfield is not an entirely new concept. The stadium has historically been used to host a range of non-football events, including the 2016 Four Nations rugby league final and the Sir Paul McCartney concert as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations in 2008.

Sir Paul McCartney performed at Anfield in 2008.

Despite this, LFC needs council permission to hold future events as planning approval to expand the stadium through the redevelopment of the Main Stand and Anfield Road Stand defined the events that the pitch could be used for.

Three possible stage settings are being considered dependent upon the requirements of the particular event:

• North east facing stage – In front of the Anfield Road Stand (end-on)
• South west facing stage – In front of the Kenny Dalglish Stand (side-on)
• Central stage

The current capacity of Anfield for football use is 54,074. Depending on where the stage is located, it’s anticipated the stadium could accommodate up to approximately 60,000 people for concerts.

The planning applications are expected to be considered by the council’s planning committee later this summer.

If the plans are approved, the new events could take place from later this year with concerts from May 2019.

Andy Hughes, chief operating officer at LFC, says: “The plans we are bringing forward would provide the city’s residents with increased entertainment opportunities for music and sporting events whilst at the same time supporting Liverpool’s vision to attract more visitors to the city.

“Our proposals not only support the city’s ambitions, but showcase Anfield as a destination and will support local businesses and jobs in the area.”

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