Liverpool have confirmed that the new Anfield Road Stand’s opening will be delayed.
Completion on the 7,000-seat build was set to coincide with Jurgen Klopp’s side facing Bournemouth in their opening Premier League home game.
But the project, which began in September 2021, has fallen behind schedule as the Reds will play in front of attendances below their new 61,000 capacity.
Fans will be allowed in the lower tier of the existing stand for the Cherries’ visit while the new structure is set to be concluded in incremental phases.
The revised schedule is now set to conclude in October, some two months later than originally forecast for the grand £80 million refurbishment.
Liverpool’s managing director Andy Hughes said: “This has been a hugely ambitious and complex construction project right from the start and I would like to thank everyone who has played a part.
“Unfortunately, the upper tier of the Anfield Road stand is not quite ready for the Bournemouth game.
“The main contractor, Buckingham, will therefore work with Liverpool City Council’s licensing team to deliver a phased opening process.
“As with any complex major construction project of this scale, there are always so many variables and challenges along the way.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while we work through the next few weeks with Buckingham to complete this programme and we can’t wait to have this great new Anfield Road stand fully open for supporters.”