Within minutes of the announcement I ordered tickets unknowing, intentionally oblivious of potential conflicts. That proved a rare wise decision by me coming to fruition last Saturday night.
If I can be incredibly forthright, there are few experiences in soccer that compare to watching Liverpool FC play in person for the first time.
LFC is the first professional soccer team I came to know as a young soccer-loving-player in Clinton. The pro game wasn’t widely available in those days, but occasionally Liverpool would show up on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. I was captivated. I’ve been a supporter ever since.
At some point last year it was announced Liverpool would be returning to the USA for a preseason tour and one of their games would be played at beautiful Geodis Park in Nashville. I bought tickets the first day they became available.
A few weeks ago, while hanging out with my former Vardaman Ram soccer players during our annual alumni games, many of the guys asked me if I was going to see “The Reds” knowing they were coming to Nashville.
“You know it,” I responded.
That came to be last weekend as my wife Kayla and I enjoyed a marvelous time in Nashville centered on Liverpool. I knew it would be an overwhelming experience, but I underestimated its impact.
When the players walked onto the pitch and the crowd raised to its feet to sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” the emotion was overwhelming. It wasn’t Anfield – Liverpool’s home stadium – but it was equally moving.
It is more than just a song for LFC fans — it’s a symbol of unity, loyalty, and hope that brings everyone together, regardless of age or background. Hearing it live sends chills through your body and reminds you why Liverpool is one of the most beloved football clubs in the world.
As we worked our way around Geodis Park, home of the first place MLS club Nashville SC, it was stunning the various accents, cultures, “football” fans that had driven as far or farther than Kayla and I to share this unique Liverpool experience.
It didn’t matter that this was a preseason match, that most of Liverpool’s starters had not yet rejoined the team due to playing in the recently concluded World Cup. It was Liverpool.
I had never been anywhere that I was engulfed by fellow Liverpool supporters. I’m no stranger to Broadway in Nashville as a multi-decade veteran of the SEC Basketball Tournament with my Bruce traveling crew. But this was different. To step in all of the most popular establishments in Music City and be surrounded by people wearing Liverpool jerseys, it was overwhelming.
I watched my beloved Liverpool win a meaningless game 4-2 over the Black Cats of Sunderland, who I’ve always had a special feeling for because their “theme” song is Elvis Presley’s “I will always love you.” The Sunderland team actually visited Graceland on this US tour and are wearing pink “road” uniforms that honor one of Elvis’ famous suits.
I experienced the roar of a crowd of 25,000 Liverpool fans upon a stunning goal by Dominik Szoboszlai, one of our best players, if I may be permitted to be so obsessive.
The energy inside the stadium was contagious, making you feel like you are part of something much bigger than yourself.
Watching Liverpool play in person for the first time is a deeply rewarding and fulfilling experience. It is not only about the “football” but also about the sense of belonging, tradition, and community that surrounds the club. For any supporter, such as I, it is a dream come true and a memory that will be cherished forever.
