Fans heading to Anfield to watch a game will likely know what they should expect: A great atmosphere backed up by modern amenities in one of the Premier League's biggest stadiums thanks to the ground's expansion.
A contingent of Fulham supporters will make the trip up from London to Merseyside this weekend, for the Cottagers' top-flight showdown with the struggling Premier League champions, and they may need to know about Operation Anfield Exercise.
The Reds are hoping to forge a foothold in their quest to qualify for Champions League football, though the capital club will be optimistic about their chances having seen the Reds endure one of their toughest campaigns in modern memory under Arne Slot.
However, while the Fulham fans will be anticipating a great day out – and perhaps even a positive result – they are less likely to know about the protocols at their opponents' stadium. Some might have heard the tannoy system on television announcing the commencement of ‘Operation Anfield Exercise', but what does that mean?
Preparing for a trip to Liverpool's home? Read on as Football Ground Guide answers the question: What is Operation Anfield Exercise?
Operation Anfield Exercise: Preparation for the worst
Conducted in co-ordination with the local police force and run by the ground's stewards, Operation Anfield Exercise is an evacuation drill designed to test the staff's readiness for an emergency situation.
Liverpool regularly take part in such safety drills in order to ensure the continued security of visitors to their home stadium, and though the announcement can sound intimidating, the exercise is no cause for alarm.
Once the tannoy system makes the announcement, stewards responsible for opening gates move into position, as do those needed to usher supporters out of the stadium. The venue's turnstiles are also checked, and the staff prepare for the possible need to escort supporters.
With everyone in place, should an emergency situation occur – a major fire, disaster or threat against the stadium – then the evacuation of everyone at Anfield would commence, though only if there was a genuine concern.
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Has there been a stadium evacuation?
Anfield was evacuated back in August 2025, when fans in the Main Stand were asked to head for the exit ahead of the Reds' pre-season clash with Athletic Bilbao.
An alarm went off just as supporters were settling into their seats, and they were subsequently ushered out. Thankfully, the disturbance was a short-lived false alarm, and spectators were promptly allowed back inside the ground.