Liverpool close in on naming-rights partner

[sukha4]

Liverpool have narrowed the search for a stadium naming-rights partner down to just three global companies.

And that could see the Anfield club finally make a decision over their ground by the end of the year - with a new state-of-the-art 70,000-seat arena the likely outcome.

Comments

[17x17]

I think its better to be without naming-right partner.

[sukha4]

The owners have said that if we were to build a new stadium, that's the only way to make it happen. Otherwise we simply can't afford it.

[17x17]

I understand.

[dia_5]

i dont mind a new stadium, but i really hate naming-rights. it just doesnt feel the same, and i would miss saying anfield! i mean, think of arsenal, which sounded better, highbury or emirates? i like the name of the stadium to be powerful, like why we have the "this is anfield" sign. (lol i dont even know if i'm making any sense.)

[sukha4]

We can still call it whatever we want. It will have an official name that the media etc would use, but fans can still call it 'Anfield'.

[silmerin]

For what it's worth (aka totally off-topic), I do remember when Portland's old Civic Stadium was re-named PGE Park back in 2001 (I think), and this year it became Jeld-Wen for the Timbers' entrance into MLS. At first I was like "lol no" but then it became normal. The truth, though, is that it doesn't really matter as long as we keep our feral cats.

[mardia]

It'd be a wrench to leave Anfield, but from what I understand about the stadium issue, trying to redevelop the old stadium would have the club running into a whole host of difficulties, so I understand why the owners are going this route.

If there HAS to be one, I'd prefer it be "Standard Chartered" or something that doesn't sound utterly ridiculous.

[runandtelldat]

Ikr. Mercedes-Benz just bought the naming rights to the Louisiana Superdome. And although this doesn't affect my life in the slightest, I hate how stupid Mercedes-Benz Superdome sounds.

[mardia]

Totally. If we have to change the name, then I hope the name is something that is at least dignified, if nothing else.

The simple fact is that Liverpool needs a new stadium, and badly, otherwise it will be impossible for us to compete with clubs like United, Chelsea, and City. Getting that stadium has to be the top priority, and if it means sacrificing Anfield, then honestly, I can learn to live with that.

[noodlecookie]

MTE. Still going to cry for hours on end though because I'm unnecessarily too emotional :(

[levriere]

I hate the idea of naming rights. HATE it. I mean can't we just put up advertisements all over the place and name the stadium what ever we want? It just ruins the tradition in my mind. *sigh* oh well. Gotta do what you gotta do I guess. But I'd be heart broken if I never get to watch a game at Anfield.

[sukha4]

You can still go! Even if we settle on a plan now, it will be years until the new stadium is completed.
I have to watch a CL game at Anfield, hopefully next year.