Everything you need to know if you're going to see Take That at Anfield

From 90’s boyband to national treasure, Take That are back in Liverpool for a one-off gig at a very special venue.

With a back catalogue of 30 years of absolute bangers that have documented our daily highs and lows, Take That bring their Greatest Hits tour to Anfield Stadium this week.

Whether you’re a life-long fan or just love getting down to the new stuff, the Greatest Hits Live Tour has something for you and there’s no denying that bopping round to the likes of ‘I Found Heaven’, ‘It Only Takes A Minute’ or swaying to ‘Back For Good’ at our very own Anfield, will be the cherry on top of the boy band cake!

The band said: “It’s a real honour for us to be able to play Anfield, such an historic ground and venue. The Liverpool audiences have always been incredible.”

And what a venue to be watching one of the biggest bands of all time in this week. LFC are the talk of the planet and this gig will provide the perfect after-party for the inc credible weekend we have just witnessed in our city.

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re going to see Take That at Anfield….

1 – Getting There

Are you going to see @TakeThat this Thursday at Anfield?

Why not get there with @Merseyrail and @PBSoccerbus?

Buses will operate from 1700 from Sandhills station.

Don’t forget you can purchase a combined ticket for train & bus at any of our staffed stations! ️ pic.twitter.com/QMRWrxRKsr

— Merseyrail (@merseyrail) 5 June 2019

The best way to get to Anfield is by public transport. Parking is extremely limited and there will be some road closures in place ahead of the gig. Don’t get left outside, read on to plan your travel.

Train

Merseyrail is not only operating regular services from the city to Sandhills station, its also teamed up with Soccerbus to run a shuttle service to Anfield from 5pm too. Get your train and bus combined tickets here.

Bus

The 917 shuttle service runs from Lime St/St George’s Plateau from 5pm on Thursday. This service will also operate from 10pm after the gig for the return route.

From Liverpool city centre you can also get on the 26 at Liverpool ONE or the 17 from Queen Square Bus Station. The 68/168 also connects Anfield to Bootle and Aigburth. Head to www.merseytravel.gov.uk to check times and routes.

2 – Times

The turnstiles open at 5pm on Thursday with the gig starting at 7pm. The expected finish time is 10:30pm so still plenty of time to sing your way back into town for a few drinks.

3 – What A Support Act!

The one and only, Rick Astley is supporting the band on this tour and what a sight to behold. Anfield Stadium in full voice singing ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’. Never a more perfect song after last weekend! Tag us in your videos @TheGuideLpool

4 – LFC & Liverpool

Playing Anfield Stadium is a major coop for any band. Take That have the honour of being the first band to perform at Anfield in 10 years and we can’t help but think the lads may well pay tribute to Gary’s scouse mum and the Champions of Europe with a rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone?

5 – Anfield Do’s & Don’t

As with all stadiums there’s some advice on what you can and can’t take inside. Try and carry what you need in your pockets or in a small bag as anything larger than an A5 piece of paper wont be permitted. No umbrellas, glass or plastic bottles bigger than 500ml, signs or banners on poles, selfie sticks or big cameras.

You don’t need to hit up an ATM before the gig as Anfield is a card-friendly. All food and drink kiosks are cashless so no need to have change rattling round when you’re busting moves. Full list of FAQ’s here.

6 – Make A Night Of It

The gig is set to finish at 10:30pm and if you’re not quite ready to head home, we’ve got a few recommendations to continue to the Take That & Party spirit.

First up there’s an official after show party! The Boot Room Sports Café at Anfield will host a post-gig bash with Radio City DJ Lee Butler and special guests on the decks with a fully licensed late bar. Tickets are £25 and are available here.

NYL Restaurant & Cocktail Bar kick starts your weekend with RNB Thursdays, Dash can cure your post-gig hunger with amazing sushi and cocktails, while Liverpool Gin Distillery invites you to discover your favourite blend on Castle Street.

7 – Tickets

You can still get your hands on some tickets for Take That at Anfield on Thursday night. Head to Ticketmaster here and pray there’s some left!

Here’s 7 things every lifelong fan should know about Take That….

1 – Way Back When

It all began 30 years ago, how old do we feel?. In 1989 Nigel Martin-Smith set out to create a boyband. He was introduced to Gary and through auditions held in Manchester, Robbie, Mark, Howard and Jason became Take That.

2 – Banned From TV

The video for ‘Do What You Like’ which featured the boys getting naked, covered in jelly and basically having a proper laugh, was banned from daytime TV in the UK. Boss though wasn’t it?

3 – Everything Changes

On 17th July 1995 Robbie Williams left the band. Then the day before Valentine’s Day in 1996 and after the incredible ‘Nobody Else Tour’ the band announced they were to split. Oh my days it was horrendous. There were special phone lines set up to help distraught fans get over the shock.

4 – The Comeback

The sheer amount of absolute bangers Take That has produced since reforming in 2005. Shine, Patience, Rule The World, Greatest Day, The Flood, the list goes on. It was around this time Take That recorded the soundtrack to Michael Vaughan film Stardust too.

5 – Sell Out Tours

If there’s one thing you can guarantee about Take That, its that their live gigs are absolutely incredible. Take That Live kicked off in 2015 and despite Jason leaving the band just before hand, extra dates were quickly added as tickets sales went through the roof. What’s been your favourite tour memory? Giant elephants? Special guests?

6 – Odyssey

Released in November 2018, Take That’s Greatest Hits album commemorates more than a quarter of a century of making phenomenal music for the band. While the line up has depleted, their passion, drive and ability to move us all to tears has never faltered. This album will be one to treasure for sure.

7 – Outstanding Contribution to Music

In 2012 Take That were awarded one of the industry’s highest honours. The Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Previous winners includes David Bowie, Errol Brown and Kate Bush.

Tickets and Gold Hospitality for Take That’s Anfield gig are available through Ticketmaster here.