Red or blue, football is in every Liverpudlian’s blood and a trip to Liverpool is a must for a fan of any club.
Any football fan worth his salt (and even those who don’t really follow the beautiful game) know about Liverpool and its two legendary teams: Liverpool and their bitter rivals, Everton. Getting tickets to a game or even taking a tour of their hallowed stadiums should not be missed if you’re going on a sports-themed Liverpool city break!
But first, whose side are you on?
For any football novices out there, you’re probably wondering what all the fuss is about. Liverpool is home to two of the most famous teams, Liverpool FC and Everton FC. Liverpool FC, often known as the ‘reds’, is one of the most successful clubs in the history of English and European football, winning five European cups, three UEFA Cups, 18 League titles and much more. Founded in 1892, Liverpool FC’s home turf is Anfield, and is renowned for its exhilarating atmosphere. Liverpool’s fans are known for being the loudest and rowdiest in English football, and never miss an opportunity to sing a rousing rendition of the team’s iconic anthem, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
Meanwhile, Everton FC also has its own loyal fan base who regularly turn out to watch the ‘Toffees’ play at Goodison Park. Founded in 1878, Everton FC is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in England, competing in the top division for a record 113 seasons and winning the League Championship nine times. They are long-time rivals of Liverpool FC and matches between the two teams are sell-out events. It’s well worth getting trying to get tickets to one of these infamous games!
For the reds: Head to Anfield
One of the best Liverpool day trips is a stadium tour and visit. Liverpool fans can walk through the Paisley Gates and past the Bill Shankly statue to take a tour of Anfield. You’ll have exclusive access to the Upper Centenary Stand for some of the best views in the house. You can also check out the Executive Boxes and take a photo in the replica Home Team Dressing Room and Press Room. Tickets for the tour also include entry to The Liverpool FC Story, the club’s interactive museum. Here, you can discover 120 years of LFC history narrated by renowned player Phil Thompson, as well as see all five European cups. There’s also the Steven Gerrard Collection, the former captain’s impressive collection of football memorabilia, including his match-worn shirts, England caps, trophies and awards.
For the blues: Over to Goodison Park
Not to be outdone, Everton FC also has its own stadium and behind-the-scenes tour. At Goodison Park, you can wander around the trophy room, home and away dressing rooms, dug-outs and even finish with a run down the sacred players’ tunnel to the tune of Z Cars. You can admire both old and new club memorabilia, see what it’s like to sit in the director’s box, and stock up on jerseys, flags and souvenirs at the club’s Everton One store.
Game day
If you’re lucky enough to get tickets on your Liverpool break to either a home game or a Merseyside derby when the two rivals’ face each other, you’re in for an unforgettable time. Reds supporters will head straight for the Kop, a sight to see filled with a mass of red and white scarves, flags and banners. Everton fans will steer clear of their arch enemies, decked out in the club’s traditional blue. Keep an eye out, you may even see a famous face or two – Paul McCartney, Matt Damon and Sylvester Stallone are all die-hard blues fans, while famous reds supporters include Nelson Mandela, Daniel Craig, Brad Pitt and Snoop Dogg.
