Football club submits plans to host concerts and range of sporting events

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

The applications to Liverpool City Council form part of the club’s plans to make Anfield a year-round destination by offering more cultural and sporting events to its supporters and those visiting the area.

If given the go-ahead, LFC could host up to 10 concerts or other events every year at the stadium, mainly outside the football calendar.

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.

The stadium has historically been used to host a range of non-football events, including the 2016 Four Nations rugby league final and the Paul McCartney concert as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations in 2008.

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, said: “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.”