Liverpool in Australia: Where to watch the Reds play in Brisbane
THEY’RE one of the biggest football clubs in the world, but there’s another reason Liverpool FC’s clash with the Brisbane Roar has sold out.
THEY’RE one of the biggest football clubs in the world – boasting superstar players and a fan base that stretches to all corners of the world – but there’s another reason Liverpool FC’s clash with the Brisbane Roar has sold out Suncorp Stadium.
Suncorp will transform into “SunKop” tonight as 50,000 Liverpool fans raise their scarfs and sing You’ll Never Walk Alone.
The famous song has made Liverpool’s home games at Anfield a spiritual experience, while the rendition by 90,000 fans at the MCG in 2013 was truly memorable.
One man who knows all about the meaning of Liverpool games is Joe McCormack, secretary of the Queensland Liverpool Fan Club.
“This will probably be something we’ll not see again in Brisbane for a long, long time,” Mr McCormack said.
“It will be like the Origin atmosphere multiplied by five, that’s what we are looking forward to the most and want to showcase for those people who have never experienced an LFC game before.”
Mr McCormack, 37, said while he was looking forward to seeing the team in his own backyard, the real thrill was for those who had never been to a Liverpool game before.
“I’m really looking forward to the faces on people who have never experienced You’ll Never Walk Alone and that atmosphere in general,” he said.
“To be beside people like that and the smile on their face when the crowd gets going – it’s just phenomenal – I can’t put my finger on what it is but it’s something everyone has to experience.”
In honour of the occasion, Caxton Street was unveiled as Anfield Road last night by Queensland Origin coach Mal Meninga and Liverpool players Kolo Toure, Mamadou Sakho and Sheyi Ojo.
There’s no better place to prepare for tomorrow night’s game than the famous street lined with character-filled watering holes, as all the establishments are embracing the spirit ahead of the clash.
Sarosh Mehta, President of the Caxton Street Development Association, said having a team of Liverpool’s stature play in Brisbane was an honour.
“The least we can do is welcome them to Brisbane and make them feel at home, plus provide an opportunity for local football fans to experience a lead up to an EPL game in their own backyard,” Ms Mehta said.
Where: Suncorp Stadium
When: 6.45pm kick off
TV: GO!’s broadcast starts at 6.30pm
Online: Follow @cmail_sport for live coverage of the match
Where to watch: King George Square, The Caxton Hotel, Iceworks and Gambaro Hotel are all putting on special game day functions — King George Square and Iceworks projecting the game on big screens.