Sunderland: Stadium of Light
Snapshot
| Team: | Sunderland |
| Nickname: | Black Cats |
| Founded: | 1879 |
| Manager: | Steve Bruce |
| League: | Premier League |
Stadium of Light | Built in 1997
The Stadium of Light has an excellent reputation as a Premier League footballing venue. It consists of two three-tiered stands (along one side and behind one goal), and two two-tiered stands. In terms of where not to sit, I'd avoid the back of the higher stands - you might feel a bit cut off. Everywhere else offers excellent, unrestricted views. Away fans are accommodated in the Metro FM Stand, and are usually designated 3,000 tickets.
Tickets / Where to sit
Tickets for Sunderland's home games can be purchased via a variety of methods, including in person at the Stadium of Light ticket office, via the SAFC Ticket Hotline on 0871 911 1973 or via the online ticket site.
(Please note tickets for home games will be posted out when purchased in advance, and left at Collections if purchased within 48 hours of kick off.)
the SAFC Ticket Hotline number is: 0871 911 1973 or you can buy the tickets via the online ticket site.
Getting to Stadium of Light
Train
Rail: Sunderland train station is in the city centre and is walkable from the stadium (around 15 minutes). From the station, exit between WH Smith and the bakery; turn left and walk down High St West and then turn left again and walk up Fawcett St to the Wear Bridge. You’ll see the stadia. Cross the bridge and turn left into Millennium Way opposite the Wheatsheaf pub (home fans). The away turnstiles are located on the side of the ground which is straight ahead.
Metro: Two Metro stations; the Stadium of Light and St. Peters. The metro provides regular and rapid transport from both Newcastle and south of Sunderland. Both stations are only a few minutes walk from the stadium, though St Peters Station as the closer for away supporters). After the game the Stadium of Light metro station only operates Northbound (towards Newcastle) and St Peters metro station only operates Southbound (towards Sunderland City centre) so pick the right one ladies and gents.
Car
Stick the address in your Sat Nav: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU.
Parking
There is a stadium car park but believe it or not this can’t cater for everyone. Alternatively, park in the city centre and take the 10-15 minute walk to the ground. Or use the free 'Park & Ride' scheme at Sunderland Enterprise Park available for both home and away supporters. Well signposted just off the A1231, the buses run every few minutes for an hour and a half before kick off and continue after the game until everyone has gone; unless you’re staying over – they won’t wait for you, did ask.
Map
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Where to drink
A pre-match drink is vital to discuss the match and your fantasy football picks. William Jameson (Wetherspoons pub) in the centre of town, great atmosphere. New Yates's bar opposite Wetherspoons. The Albion pub, on Victor Street, off Roker Avenue, is a five minute walk from the ground, with some parking nearby. I've used this pub the last three times I've visited Sunderland with West Brom. Always friendly and the landlord even puts on complimentary snacks after the game. Otherwise there is a chippy a couple of doors away. on the road approaching the Wearmouth bridge on the North (Stadium Side) of the river. There are two social clubs - The Sunderland Companions club, and the Democratic Club, which both get very busy, and will offer a warm welcome to away supporters, and serve cheap beer.
If you have a bit of time of your hands, then you may like to try the Harbour View on the sea front, which is around a 15-20 minute walk away. Simply go along Roker Avenue (opposite the main entrance to the stadium) until you reach the seafront. Turn left along the front and you will see the pub up on the left. The pub which has previously been listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, serves good beer, reasonably priced food (with its own matchday menu) and has a large screen television, to see what's on take a look at Football Fancast's football on tv guide. As the name of the pub suggests you get some good views along the coast from its location.
Where to eat
All the necessities: Chicken Balti Pie (£2.10), pasties (£2.10), sausage rolls (£1.60), cheese burgers (£2.60), chicken burgers (£2.70) and hot dogs (£2.50). Alcohol is £2.60 inside the stadium.
If you've got a bit of time on your hands, head to the Harbour View on Sunderland's sea front. It has a special menu on matchdays, and is well worth the the 15 - 20 minute walk.
Where to stay
Hotel Name Best Price
Quality Hotel Sunderland £55.00
Tavistock Roker Hotel £68.00
Sunderland Marriott £129.00
Hawksley House £150.00
Seaham Hall Hotel £375.00
Disabled Facilities
Parking: Disabled parking for 160 Home and 3 Away supporters within stadium grounds and close to entrance points. 80 parking spaces have wider access. The North, South and East Stands have level access to concourses with shallow ramps to wheelchair positions. A long ramped access to pitch side locations is in place for the South (Away fans) and West Stands. Two open single wheelchair lifts operate up to the West Stand concourse.
Facilities: 23 disabled toilets in total - some on concourse directly behind platforms. 3 toilets are located next to lifts by South West corner ramp for use by wheelchair users at pitch level. Radar locks, alarms and warning lights are in operation. Refreshment facilities are available on concourse level, with low level counters. A tray service is also available for all fans generally. Pitch side positions mean there is limited access to catering facilities situated at the mid-tier levels.
Wheelchair Places: 180 Home - a minimum of 20 Away depending on ticket allocation to the Away club. All in elevated positions or at pitch side. The Away area is positioned behind the goal in the South Stand with helpers elevated behind. Pitch side positions give partial cover.
Visual Places: 40 in total in South West corner - all elevated and covered positions with helper seats alongside. Walkman radios provided free of charge allowing fans to listen to local radio commentary.
Hearing Places: No special arrangements
Ambulant Places: Unlimited places in designated corner areas of stadium.
Contact: Maureen Johnson (ticket office) 0845 671 1973
Sunderland Programme
Sunderland Official Programme: £3.00
Sunderland Songs
Wise men say Only fools rush in But I cant help falling in love with you, Sunderland, Sunderland, Sunderland.
You're just a small town in Yorkshire, Small town in Yorkshire (To Middlesboro fans).
Sunderland Shop & Merchandise
a variety of merchandise is available from the club's online store
Club Records
First Division (now the Premier League): 1891/92, 1892/93, 1894/95, 1901/02, 1912/13, 1935/36
Second Division/First Division/Championship: 1975/76, 1995/96, 1998/99, 2004/05, 2006/07
FA Cup: 1937, 1972
League Cup: Runners-up 1985
Club Contact
Address: Sunderland AFC, Stadium of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU.
Tel: +44 (0)191 551 5000 Fax: +44 (0)191 551 5123 Email: enquiries@safc.com
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