Hard work pays off
Prior to the win in Madrid, as a manager, Klopp had lost his last six major finals in a row. Not the kind of stat you would like to hold going into yet another final, however, it just goes to show that his grit, hard work, determination and persistence as a coach eventually pays off. It is a work ethic that can be translated into almost any walk of life because if you fail, keep on going and trying – stay true to your cause – and eventually you will reap the rewards.
That same kind of determination applies throughout Hardscape and this was evident when working with Your Tribute Ltd – a design company that works with sporting venues and clubs to help them increase supporter affinity and generate incremental revenues through design-led personalisation projects.
Hardscape supplied hundreds of personalised tributes purchased by Liverpool fans as part of their Anfield Forever celebrations. Cast in granite, each of the stones were meticulously hand-engraved with personalised messages and a unique issue number, before being carefully packaged up, ready for their permanent ‘away day’ at Anfield. Each stone needed the attention to detail, care, and determination to perfect, in the same attitude and manner as Jurgen Klopp himself. The stones are situated in the landscaped plaza area along 96 Avenue at Anfield stadium. Each stone tells a different story and therefore together they create a space for fans to share lasting memories and explore what the club means to others. In addition, alongside fans’ memories and dedications, player and managerial history shares the walkway giving fans an insight into the club’s history.
On the bench
As well as supplying personalised granite slabs to Anfield, Hardscape also used specialist stone masonry techniques on polished Kobra granite benches and delivered them to site. Using advanced methods, which have been developed since the earlier Cardiff project, specialist machinery (for instance, sandblasting and waterjet machines) was used to create the art on each individual unit. The benches boast Zimbabwe Red banding on the front and sides, in addition to Mist granite paving banding, with Kobra and Crystal Black used for the infilled lettering.
These benches are a key standout feature of the tribute walkway due to the personal and heartfelt messages that are etched on each of them, marking a significant moment in the club’s illustrious history. They also all feature the iconic red colour of Liverpool F.C, for an added touch of class.
The stones were available in 3 various sizes – small (200mm x 100mm), large (200mm x 200mm) and a premium stone which features the Liver bird also (400mm x 400mm). Following such large demand from Liverpool FC’s ever-passionate supporters, the plaques are currently sold out on the club’s website. With Liverpool taking home the Champions League trophy this season and the already evident quality and design of the granite dedications, we can only imagine even more fans want to etch their memories in Anfield, as the club continues to write its amazing history.