The Kop End

For 127 years Liverpool have called Anfield home. Countless players, managers, and opposing teams have passed through the grounds, each leaving their own mark on the stadium's history; including sensational goals, last minute drama, controversial decisions, success, failure, ecstasy, and disappointment. Yet, there is one part of the club that has seen everything: the Kop end. If there is one part of the stadium that is alive, besides the fans inside, it would the famous Kop end. When Anfield was opened in 1892, it was tiny, wooden and had four stands surrounding the pitch for the fans to watch. Today, the stadium is massive, made out of mostly steel and aluminum and is quite high tech. All of the four stands have gone under massive reconstruction but the Kop still stands out.

The Kop end today

The Kop was originally a standing section only and was a one massive terrace. Fans would sway back and forth, singing songs and celebrating goals. It truly was a living being from 1892-1994, until the Kop was remodeled after Hillsborough and in my opinion, rightly so, even though others still believe that the Kop should have been left untouched. No one should lose their life at a sporting event though. Psychically, it looked different, but the spirit was and still is there. Many of the fans in the Kop are season ticket holders and are locals. They are commonly referred to as "Kopites." Though the atmosphere of the Kop can be deafening, encouraging, and to opposing teams it can be terrifying, there is a sense of community on the Kop. I had the privilege to interview a Kopite myself and he said that on match days he reunites with old friends and they share sweets that they made for the game. 

The Kop 1983

Even though regulations now make it mandatory that all sections have seating, the Kopites still stand during the entirety of the game. Many banners, flags, and scarfs are still seen waving as the players enter the pitch for the game. The rules might have changed but the tradition still lives on. I always wonder what will happen at the Kop end each season. Something special always happens, whether it would be the last minute goal that bounced twice off the cross bar to beat local rivals Everton F.C., goals that counted even if it the ball may not have crossed the line, seeing goals that defined a career, etc. The Kop is rumored to have sucked in goals with the noise that it generates. I have seen it happen and I will see it happen again.

Luis Garciá's "Ghost Goal" in the 2005 Champions League Semi-Final

The Kop end minutes before the Garicá goal

If you are looking for someone that has seen it all, it won't be an old fan or former player. It would be the Kop end and all of those moments are still engrained in its seats, like sunshine in a bottle. The Kop is waiting for more incredible moments to come along so it can soak it all in and add memories to the club's history. The way I see it, the Kop is like a time capsule and each seat has its own piece of memorabilia waiting for someone to discover it.