Liverpool expands safe standing to whole Kop

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Premier League Liverpool F.C. will install rail seating in the whole of the Kop End at Anfield Stadium in time for the 2024/25 season following a phased installation throughout the ground.

This is Anfield said the club first introduced rail seating ahead of the 2021/22 season and currently, there are more than 12,000 rail seats across the Kop and the lower Anfield Road End.

Anfield has a seating capacity of 61,276 making it the fifth largest football stadium in England. It has been the home of Liverpool since their formation in 1892.

After three phases of installation, the final phase for the Kop will now see all remaining seats replaced to allow for safe standing in a part of the ground that is always on its feet.

Rail seating was first introduced in two areas of Anfield during the 2020-21 close-season following a safety review by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA).

Safe standing areas are licensed by the SGSA and fans must be able to sit or stand – the seats cannot be locked in the ‘up’ or ‘down’ position.

Liverpool were granted a safe standing licence at the start of this season and it means supporters are permitted to stand throughout matches, and not just for significant moments, such as goal celebrations.

There must also be one seat/space per person and licensed standing areas must not impact the viewing standards of other fans, including disabled supporters.

The initial trial saw 7,800 rail seats installed on the Kop and the lower tier of the Anfield Road Stand. A second phase saw a further 2,500 rail seats introduced on the Kop during the 2022-23 season.

The latest installation phase took place last summer when a further 3,000 rail seats were placed on the Kop in the remainder of blocks 202-208, down to row 33.

Work on the latest phase will begin after the conclusion of the season, and the club said it is expected to continue into the first home games of the new campaign.

Access to seats will not be affected during the installation and supporters whose seat will be changed to rail seating will be contacted directly by the club.

Speaking about the application for a Safe Standing Licence earlier, Andy Hughes, Managing Director, Liverpool Football Club, said, “Following an extensive review of our rail seating trial we’re delighted to confirm it has been successful and is now a permanent feature at the Anfield Stadium.

“We also examined how effective rail seating is in terms of the health and safety of our fans, and we came to the conclusion that the management of rail seating areas would benefit from the safe standing areas. So, that’s why we have taken the decision to apply for a Safe Standing Licence, which will see the introduction of safe standing areas across all stadium sections with rail seating from the next season.

“The health and safety of our supporters when attending matches at Anfield is, and always will be, paramount.”

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