Going to your first football match can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking event. Stood there in person with nearly 55,000 fans surrounding you, the atmosphere is a far cry from your front room or local, and since the pandemic, the rules in Anfield and other stadiums have changed a little. To make sure you can enjoy the best match possible, here are some of the top things you can do to prepare before you go.
Arrive with plenty of time
Frustratingly, it’s not uncommon for there to be long queues outside Anfield, with huge queues seen last year as stewards struggled with a new ticketing system on top of typical search procedures and ID checks.
These queues are typically seen nearer the start of the match, so arrive in good time. If you are driving, ensure you plan your route accordingly, find parking nearby, and if you plan on having a pint or two, be sure to book accommodation.
Dress the part
Everyone will be wearing football shirts, so make sure you don’t stick out like a sore thumb. Have a look at t-shirts and scarves of the top Liverpool players and decide what matches your favourite players, then order well ahead of time so you’re set for the game.
Book your tickets
Anfield uses near-field communication (NFC) passes, which you need to download onto your phone – they require identification, so be sure to bring a driving license, passport, or another valid form of ID.
Print-at-home tickets may also be issued – you can either use a QR code on your phone or print the tickets out – whichever works best for you. If you’re still unsure, Liverpool FC has a step-by-step guide for how to use tickets.
Explore Liverpool
You can’t get the ultimate match day experience without seeing what the bustling city of Liverpool has to offer. You may decide to visit Jurgen’s Bierhaus on The Strand, The Cavern on Mathew Street or Motel on Fleet Street – all good places to go for a drink and listen to some live music. If you’re more interested in attractions, hop on the City Sights Bus or head to the Beatles Museum for a healthy dose of British rock history.
Learn the rituals
Every Liverpool fan has their own match day rituals, whether it’s heading to the Homebaked Bakery for a pie before heading to the Kop, grabbing some chips and curry sauce from a local Chinese, or having a few pints at the Twelfth Man pub nearby. Even if it’s your first trip to Anfield, have a think about what you’d like to do in the area before and after the game!