So we had contacted this guy (and by we, I mean my sister did) about getting a hospitality package to the Man United game as we saw this as our only way to guarantee we'd get a ticket. We paid a pretty hefty price for it. But in hindsight, I'd pay it again and again to see Liverpool win 7-0.
Anyways, we got our tickets in an email about a week before with some instructions, namely to add it to you Apple Wallet (or whatever the Android equivalent is) for speedy entry. We were allowed into the stadium about three hours prior to kick off, but I couldn't wait so we were at the grounds about 5 hours prior. We walked around the stadium, patroned the shop, and visited various landmarks such as Hillsborough Memorial and the Shankly Gates. We then made our way to the Kenny Dalglish Stand and queued up to get in. Once in, we were directed to a "Premier Lounge." We had two options: Paisley Lounge or Shankly Lounge. We chose Paisley as it was the "further" one and we'd figure there would be less people. We were then treated to a buffet. There was some meats, charcuterie, gnocchi, sweets, and vegan options (they take vegan and food allergies very seriously in the UK. We were asked at EVERY restaurant we went to). Drinks were extra. We decided to make our way to our seats about 45 mins prior to kick off. Players came out to warm-up about 20-25 mins prior. An interesting note: the starting XI warms up separately from the bench. Also, the one-touch rondo is pretty cool. How those players know what to do three steps ahead is pretty cool to watch. Virgil is a very big man, Salah is so quick. During the warm-up, they do this shooting drill where a player shoots a dead ball, a moving ball, and then runs into the box for a cross. Salah's first go round, puts all three in the top corner. And the Kop let out a collective "Woah."
Players went back in the tunnels and came out a few mins later with the mascots to shake hands and whatnot. The kind of stuff you see on TV. And then "You'll Never Walk Alone." I had my scarf ready and sang my heart out. Not gonna lie, I teared up. I couldn't help it, it was a moment I had been waiting for pretty much my whole life. Soon it was kick off and wow is that stadium loud. Kyle Field has a capacity of ~112,000 (or whatever it is they say it is) and Anfield has a capacity of ~55,000. I am telling you, when Gakpo's first half goal went in, that stadium was as loud as any TD I have ever seen at Kyle. It was amazing.
We could have gone back to the lounge for half-time, but we decided to stay in our seats and just take it all in. And good thing we did, because I don't think we would have made it back to our seats in time for Liverpool's second. And then the night went from unbelievable to surreal. Goal after goal. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. Like a hot knife through butter, Liverpool just had their way through the Man United defense (Side note: Bruno Fernandes is as much a b*tch in person as is portrayed on tv. The man is in the ref's face THE ENTIRE MATCH. Arguing Every. Single. Call. It's exhausting to watch). (Oh and also, how Martinez did not get like 3 yellows was beyond me). I didn't watch Man U over the weekend but I don't know hoe EtH keeps Bruno as his captain after that performance. To me, Luke Shaw was the only player hustling on United. Even at 7-0, he is sliding and preventing Jota from getting number 8. (Whether that should have been a pen is a conversation for another time.
I digress. My sister's favorite player is Roberto Firmino. And all she wanted to do was see him play. And when he came on, the Kop let out a roar. Almost as loud as any goal. And when he scored, my god. If there was a roof, it would have blown off the place, such was the reception he got. And deservedly so. I wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter and whatever else he decides to do in life. He has been w magnificent servant of Liverpool Football Club.
Match ended and we stayed for a few to clap the players off. The only thing missing was Klopp punching the air to the Kop. But alas, he did not oblige. We were allowed back into the lounge for one hour post-match to wind down and let the crowds die down a bit. And we walked back to our Airbnb.
It was the most incredible of experiences and I cannot recommend it enough. It is hands down, the greatest venue + atmosphere in professional sports. Nothing compares. I'd be happy to answer any questions for those interested. But I'll post some additional pictures from the day and from the Stadium Tour that we took a couple of days before.
-FTA c/o 2013
