Liverpool unveil plans for new 71,000 capacity stadium

Blackleaf · Liverpool unveil plans for new 71,000 capacity stadium

Liverpool have unveiled plans for their new stadium. The stadium will have a 71,000 capacity, making it the fifth largest sports stadium in the UK, after Wembley (90,000), Twickenham (82,000), Old Trafford (76,000) and the Millennium Stadium (74,500)

The new Anfield will dwarf Scotland's largest stadium - Murrayfield (capacity 68,000)

Reds unveil new stadium plans

Friday 25 Jan 2008

Liverpool have unveiled the latest plans for their new stadium on the day that an announcement is expected that co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have completed the £350million refinancing deal which will secure their futures at Anfield.

The under-fire American duo have agreed the financial package which will help repay the near £220million they borrowed to take over the club last March and allow development on the proposed new stadium at Stanley Park to begin.

THE NEW KOP - Liverpool's new stadium will be Britain's fifth largest, after Wembley, Twickenham, Old Trafford and the Millenium Stadium

The club plan to build the 71,000-seat venue close to Anfield in time for the 2011-12 season and unveiled new plans for the stadium today. Hicks said: "HKS has developed a more efficient design that, at the same time, is just as stunning as the original one.

"Liverpool supporters should have high expectations for the future - a premier sporting experience at their new stadium and a winning club on the pitch for years to come."

However, the news of the refinancing deal is likely to be unpopular among fans who demonstrated against the Hicks and Gillett during Monday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Anfield.

Hicks in particular is unpopular on Merseyside after making it public knowledge that he sounded out Jurgen Klinsmann about the possibility of replacing current Reds boss Rafael Benitez.

But news of the refinancing deal could effectively end the interest in the club of the investment arm of the Dubai government, Dubai International Capital (DIC).

DIC came close to taking over at Anfield before Hicks and Gillett succeeded last year, but were reportedly set to launch a fresh bid should the Americans wish to put the club back on the market.

Meanwhile, on the field Benitez is hoping his players can use Saturday's FA Cup fourth round tie with Havant & Waterlooville to build some confidence.

Four successive draws has seen the Reds drop off the pace in the title race and the Spaniard is hoping for goals against the non-league side.

"Now we have a cup tie with a non-league team, it will be a great occasion for everyone but maybe we can score some goals to give us confidence," he said.

http://www.4thegame.com/club/live...4/reds_complete_finance_deal.html

azzuri

Dwarf it, really?

...by having a capacity of 4% more?

Cymro

Can't say I like it.

And when will Liverpool have blue sky like that?

RadgeJougal

Good for them.

agentmancuso

Cymro

Don't get me wrong, I like Liverpool FC, just don't like the stadium plans. For one thing I'm sentimental and would prefer to see the present site extensively redeveloped than knocked down and moved elsewhere (all be it a few yards). Would have liked to see them being a bit more ambitious and gone bigger than Old Trafford.

iainmhor

agentmancuso

Corby Boy

Agent.

The posh bit.

Toxteth isn't