Apr 13 2007
by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL have given the go-ahead to form an official ‘Kop choir’ for the start of next season – as the new owners’ vision for the most famous stand in the world becomes clearer.
The plans to restore the unique atmosphere come as it’s revealed the Kop in the new stadium – which won’t now open until the 2010/11 season – will be an awesome 18,000 seater, single tier stand.
From next August, the Reds have agreed to set aside 1800 Kop tickets for the most vocal, passionate supporters in order to preserve the Anfield atmosphere.
In an unprecedented move, club officials have acted to create a specific ‘singing section’ of the famous terrace in a bid to ensure every home fixture replicates the volume of more high profile games.
An area currently set aside as the adult and child section of The Kop will be moved to the Anfield Road End, creating the 1800 vacancies.
Meanwhile, the revised stadium blueprint will also include such an area as part of an 18,000 single tier Kop end, allowing over 5,000 more specatators than currently available.
However, the ECHO can confirm the new arena on Stanley Park definitely won’t be open in time for the start of the 2009-10 season as originally stated.
If the new scheme is finished on schedule, the first game will be the start of the 2010-11 season, although the new owners believe even under the old scheme the earlier completion date was unrealistic.
The decision to create a specific area was taken following discussions with representatives from the recently formed ‘Reclaim The Kop’ campaign.
Current season ticket holders ONLY are now invited to change their seats.
Although the Anfield atmosphere is still considered the envy of the world on European nights, less glamorous Premiership fixtures have seen a steady decline in noise levels since the heydays of the 60s, 70s and 80s.
Many supporters fear the loss of traditional songs and crowd banter, especially with the new stadium on the horizon.
But the Liverpool hierarchy has vowed to set aside a similar section for the most vocal fans in the Stanley Park arena.
George Gillett and Tom Hicks have spoken of their determination to consult Liverpool’s fans to determine how best to preserve or enhance the famous Anfield atmosphere.
They have shown they are well aware of the sensitivities of the hardcore support, and despite only a couple of trips to Anfield decided early on to make The Kop the focal point of the new arena.
Architect HKS see the new stadium taking the form of an orchestral theatre, with The Kop taking centre stage towering over the pitch and other stands.
Preliminary work on the arena, which will now cost considerably more than the £180m suggested, begins in May.
by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL have given the go-ahead to form an official ‘Kop choir’ for the start of next season – as the new owners’ vision for the most famous stand in the world becomes clearer.
The plans to restore the unique atmosphere come as it’s revealed the Kop in the new stadium – which won’t now open until the 2010/11 season – will be an awesome 18,000 seater, single tier stand.
From next August, the Reds have agreed to set aside 1800 Kop tickets for the most vocal, passionate supporters in order to preserve the Anfield atmosphere.
In an unprecedented move, club officials have acted to create a specific ‘singing section’ of the famous terrace in a bid to ensure every home fixture replicates the volume of more high profile games.
An area currently set aside as the adult and child section of The Kop will be moved to the Anfield Road End, creating the 1800 vacancies.
Meanwhile, the revised stadium blueprint will also include such an area as part of an 18,000 single tier Kop end, allowing over 5,000 more specatators than currently available.
However, the ECHO can confirm the new arena on Stanley Park definitely won’t be open in time for the start of the 2009-10 season as originally stated.
If the new scheme is finished on schedule, the first game will be the start of the 2010-11 season, although the new owners believe even under the old scheme the earlier completion date was unrealistic.
The decision to create a specific area was taken following discussions with representatives from the recently formed ‘Reclaim The Kop’ campaign.
Current season ticket holders ONLY are now invited to change their seats.
Although the Anfield atmosphere is still considered the envy of the world on European nights, less glamorous Premiership fixtures have seen a steady decline in noise levels since the heydays of the 60s, 70s and 80s.
Many supporters fear the loss of traditional songs and crowd banter, especially with the new stadium on the horizon.
But the Liverpool hierarchy has vowed to set aside a similar section for the most vocal fans in the Stanley Park arena.
George Gillett and Tom Hicks have spoken of their determination to consult Liverpool’s fans to determine how best to preserve or enhance the famous Anfield atmosphere.
They have shown they are well aware of the sensitivities of the hardcore support, and despite only a couple of trips to Anfield decided early on to make The Kop the focal point of the new arena.
Architect HKS see the new stadium taking the form of an orchestral theatre, with The Kop taking centre stage towering over the pitch and other stands.
Preliminary work on the arena, which will now cost considerably more than the £180m suggested, begins in May.
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