What is Operation Anfield Exercise at Liverpool’s stadium?

Liverpool have been unpredictable on the pitch in 2025-26, but fans heading to Anfield to catch a game know what to expect: Modern amenities in one of the Premier League‘s biggest stadiums – thanks to the ground's expansion – underpinned by one of the best atmospheres around.

A contingent of loyal Chelsea supporters are heading up to Merseyside from London this weekend, hoping to see the managerless Blues end their six-game top-flight losing streak, and they may need to know about Operation Anfield Exercise.

Arne Slot's Reds are close to securing their place in next season's Champions League, but they will need to prevent a slip-up against the capital club in order to avoid opening the door to Bournemouth and Brentford in the race for the top five.

However, the Anfield faithful will remember that Slot's side were the only team that failed to beat Igor Tudor's dire Tottenham Hotspur in the league, and anything other than three points in the aftermath of Liverpool's 3-2 defeat against bitter rivals Manchester United will see the manager face new levels of backlash.

Preparing for a trip to Liverpool's home ground? 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.

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.