In Liverpool one thing matters more than anything else; are you a Red or are you a Blue? The cities two famous football teams Everton and Liverpool are amongst the most famous and instantly recognisable names across the world. Steeped in history and tradition, both clubs have been a member of the Premier League since it came into being and both have spent most of their professional life in the top division of English football. Unsurprisingly, both are a major attraction for visitors to the city, but what do they offer for the football fan wishing to visit these legendary institutions?

Everton FC (www.evertonfc.com) offer fans the chance to take part in a stadium tour, during which you will be shown behind the scenes of the world famous Goodison Park, into the changing area and down the tunnel by your experienced guide. Tours are held on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11am and 1pm and Sunday at 11am, unless there is a first team game on the day in which case all afternoon tours are cancelled. The club suggest that pre-booking (0871 663 1878) is advised for this popular, informative and educational trip.

If you want to experience a match at the historic Goodison Park then booking your tickets in well in advance is well advised (0871 663 1878), though it is still possible to pay at the turnstile for most games. There are concessions available for children under 16 and people 65 and over.

Lastly, the Everton Club Shop, Everton One (0151 330 2030), sited at Goodison Park offers every possible item for the discerning Everton fan, from replica kits to dvd’ through to pennants, pencils and postcards. In addition, there is the new Everton Two store (0161 707 2273) in the brand new Liverpool One shopping complex in the city centre and a further store in The Pyramids shopping centre, Birkenhead (0151 666 2570). There is also a vast selection of Everton themed goodies available online through www.evertondirect.com.

Not to be outdone, Liverpool FC (www.liverpoolfc.tv) also offer plenty for the visitor interested in learning more about the proud traditions and history of this famous club. The Reds too offer a stadium tour with the option to be guided around Anfield by one of the clubs former legends, such as John Aldridge, Phil Neal or Alan Kennedy, who will offer their own insight into the clubs proud history, complete with anecdote or two! The tour also includes entry into the new Liverpool FC museum, a treasure trove of artefacts from the clubs glorious past and present. So popular are these tours that booking is advised either online via the website or phone on 0151 260 6677.  The club also offers a “mini tour” involving a trip to the museum and to the famous Kop stand on matchdays which can be booked in the same way.

If you want to experience the unique atmosphere of Anfield on a match day, then tickets are sometimes available for most league games and cup ties, when they are made available for general sale. However tickets for games are incredibly popular and entry to Anfield is by ticket only, therefore it is imperative that you buy your tickets beforehand from the club ticket office on 0844 844 0844. Many games at Anfield are “sold out” quickly, so it pays to ensure you get in contact quickly with the club when you know which game(s) you’d like to see.

Fans of Liverpool will also enjoy their well stocked Club Shop (0151 264 2300) at Anfield, which also has outlets in Chester (01244 344 608), Williamson Square in Liverpool City Centre (0151 330 3077) and the new flagship store at Liverpool One (0151 709 4345) which proudly boasts that it is the biggest club store of its kind in Europe! There is also a wide selection of official club merchandise available online through http://store.liverpoolfc.tv.

Finally, not to be outdone by their two esteemed rivals, fans of lower league football may be interested in taking a trip through the tunnels to Tranmere Rovers (www.tranmererovers.co.uk). Based on the Wirral just a mile or so from the Birkenhead tunnel, Tranmere can offer the football fan a fix of football at a fair price. You can turn up and pay at the gate for any game and there are very reasonable subsidised prices for juniors and people over 65. Prenton Park is well worth a visit if you are a football fan but don’t have the cash available to take the family to either of the big two across the water!

Use our Liverpool Guide to find out more visitor information.

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