Unveiling the Mystery: The Secret Behind Anfield’s Brown Pitch and the Upcoming Season’s Solution

An intriguing video of Anfield Road has recently surfaced, showcasing the ongoing work that has caused the pitch to lose its vibrant color. This has sparked concerns among fans regarding whether the surface will be ready for the upcoming season.

Since the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, the development of the new stand at Anfield has escalated, with cranes occupying the pitch area and the removal of the previous roof. The project aims to reach completion in time for the commencement of the 2023/24 season, prompting the club to request permission from the Premier League to play their opening game away from Anfield.

Notably, supporters have observed a significant decline in the condition of the field since the introduction of the cranes within the stadium. This has raised worries about its final state once the construction work concludes and whether it will meet the necessary standards by August.

The reason behind the discolouration lies in the composition of the pitch, which predominantly consists of sand. While this allows for excellent drainage, it quickly turns brown in the absence of sufficient watering by the ground staff.

To ensure readiness for the first home game of the new campaign, the turf will be relaid once the roof removal and the removal of the cranes and pitch covering are complete. A test event will precede the season kick-off to verify the stadium and pitch’s suitability.

Paul Cuttill, the stadium operations manager, recently discussed the uncertainty surrounding the test event’s nature. He emphasized the priority of achieving a pristine pitch and outlined the plan for preparing Anfield for matchday as swiftly as possible.

“We are still uncertain about the specifics of the test event due to the ongoing work on the pitch during that four-week period,” Cuttill informed The Athletic. “Once we remove the covering from the pitch after removing the roof, we will proceed to relay the pitch and ensure it is ready for the season’s start. Our utmost focus is to attain a pitch of exceptional quality. Once the roof is removed, we will assess the time required to reach that standard and determine the nature of the test event.”

The release of the fixtures for the 2023/24 Premier League season is scheduled for June 15 at 9 am (BST), with the opening weekend slated for August 12/13. However, fans will have to wait an additional week to witness the Reds back in action at Anfield, as the first home game is set to occur on the weekend commencing August 19.