Topic: Anfield could host Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

[PeterTheRed ...]

Anfield could host Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

Liverpool gearing up for 2022 bid and Reds will be heavily involved

BY ANDY KELLY
16 JUN 2017

Anfield will host the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games if Liverpool succeeds in its bid to host the games.

The city today unveiled ambitious plans to host the event using existing world-class venues, the iconic Mersey waterfront setting, and new facilities.

The Reds would be heavily involved with Anfield hosting the opening ceremony - beamed around the world to a huge audience - and the rugby sevens tournament.

Everton's new stadium would also be central to the bid, with a temporary running track installed on their Bramley Moore dock site

It would be installed after the final home game of the 2021/22 season and removed before the first scheduled kick-off of the 2022/23 season.

Swimming would take place at a new 50 metre pool in the Albert Dock which would remain in place after the Games.

Triple jump, long jump and pole vault will use the dockside by neighbouring Mann Island to bring spectators even closer to the action.

Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool, home to the 11,000-seat Echo Arena, would host badminton, artistic gymnastics, judo, netball and wrestling.

T20 Cricket and Track Cycling would take place in Manchester at Old Trafford Cricket Ground and Manchester Velodrome.

Goodison Park would host the boxing finals.

Liverpool FC chief exceutive 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."

Liverpool 2022 bid chairman, and ECHO columnist, Brian Barwick said the bid was "truly transformational."

He added: "We are utilising our existing, world-class venues such as ACC Liverpool, Anfield, St George’s Hall and Goodison Park, as well as facilities linked to the massive regeneration that is already taking place in the Bramley-Moore Dock area that would be home to the athletes village.

"Some of the other eye catching plans, such as the dynamic new pool in the docks and the creative approach to working with Everton FC’s new state of art stadium will set the bar for how major games leave a real and tangible legacy."

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said the city could deliver a games to make Britain proud.

“Our vision for the Games brings together ambitious new sporting facilities on the historic waterfront, with the existing world-class stadia revered by sports fans and athletes across the globe. This combination makes for a bid which I think is very hard for anyone to match in terms of ambition, creativity and sustainability and would result in a transformational games that would make Britain proud.”

The total cost of hosting the Liverpool 2022 Commonwealth Games is anticipated to be in the region of £672million, with £547 million expected to come from the public sector. Liverpool City Council will contribute a quarter of this from its “invest to earn” strategy and existing resources as well as through various income steams raised from the Games.

Liverpool submitted its Preliminary Phase Questionnaire to the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport today as part of the selection process. The city also today launched its official bid website: www.liverpoolCG22.org.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/anfield-could-host-commonwealth-games-13196046

[PeterTheRed ...]

A couple of question for the people who are familiar with these issues:

Is it possible that we could receive some public funding (or at least a long term interest free loan) for the upgrade of the ARE, as part of the preparation for the Games? Also, is it possible for some transportation issues (like a new railway line) in the Anfield area to be addressed with public funding, as part of the preparation for the Games?

[paul j]

I am no expert,but I don't think we would get any funding for the Annie rd as isn't really seen as a necessity for the games,the present capacity would be more than enough for the opening.

[Kopout]

How are blueshite going to build athletics track in a football stadium and remove it in couple of months off season??

[PeterTheRed ...]

How are blueshite going to build athletics track in a football stadium and remove it in couple of months off season??

It would have to include some sort of retractable stands, for sure. Also, that article states that the triple jump, long jump and pole vault competitions will be held at a different location, so it probably won't be a full size athletics stadium, like the London Olympic Stadium.

[Something Else]

How are blueshite going to build athletics track in a football stadium and remove it in couple of months off season??

You not spoke to one of them? The stadium is going to be state of the art with retractable stands, rotating pitches, a floating running track and a trophy room the size of grand central station.

I wouldn't be surprised if a major reason the local council are guaranteeing the loan, rather than their billionaire owner is on the proviso that a solution is found. Retractable stands seem the most sensible solution.