Reds backing city of Liverpool's 2022 Commonwealth Games bid
Anfield has been included in the city of Liverpool’s ambitious plans to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which were unveiled today.
The Reds are supporting the bid and the club’s stadium is part of a proposal that would see the competition’s opening ceremony and the rugby sevens tournament held in front of the Kop.
LFC’s chief executive officer, Peter Moore, said: "Liverpool Football Club is delighted to support the council's bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“Our great city has a unique passion for sport and we would be proud to welcome the Commonwealth to Anfield stadium."
Central to Liverpool’s ambitious plans would be accelerating the transformation of the city’s world-famous waterfront and leaving a lasting legacy for communities across the city and region.
The riverside regeneration of Bramley Moore Dock, which would be home to Everton FC’s new stadium, is a focal point of the proposal.
A number of other iconic venues will also be utilised across the city, including St George’s Hall, Stanley Park, Goodison Park and the Arena and Convention Centre.
In addition, Manchester’s Old Trafford Cricket Ground and velodrome would host T20 cricket and track cycling events respectively as part of an exciting partnership with Liverpool’s neighbouring city.
A Preliminary Phase Questionnaire has been submitted to the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport today as part of the ongoing candidate city assessment process.
The total cost of hosting the Liverpool 2022 Commonwealth Games is anticipated to be in the region of £672 million. The Games is expected to generate £136 million commercial income with £411 million provided by national government.
Liverpool City Council‘s contribution of £136m will be covered by existing resources and its ‘invest to earn strategy’ through various income streams raised from the Games.
The city also today launched its official bid website - www.liverpoolCG22.org - with a call to action for the public to back the bid via social media with the hashtag #IAmLiverpool2022.