Stadium of Light
The Stadium of Light is the home of Sunderland AFC. It offers a capacity of 49,000 seats.
In the 1990s it became increasingly clear that Sunderland needed a new stadium as their old ground Roker Park had no capacity for expansion. In 1996 construction began of the Stadium of Light, with a planned capacity of 42,000, at a site a few hundred yards away from Roker Park. The stadium was completed in 1997 and inaugurated on the 31st of July with a friendly match against AFC Ajax (0-0).
The ground was expanded in the year 2000 to its current capacity of 49,000 seats.
Getting there
The Stadium of Light stands on the north bank of the River Wear. Sunderland’s city centre, located on the south bank, is just a 15-minute walk away, as is Sunderland’s main railway station.
One can also arrive at the stadium by metro. Both the metro stations St. Peter’s and Stadium of Light are within short walking distance of the ground. After the match northbound (Newcastle) going supporters are required to board at Stadium of Light station, whereas southbound supporters need to board at St. Peters.
Furthermore, buses 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 15 and 16 all stop within walking distance of the stadium.
Address: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU
Tickets
Tickets for Sunderland games can be purchased online, by phone 0871 911 1973 (UK) or + 44 871 911 1973 (outside UK), or in person at the Stadium of Light ticket office.
Tickets for category A matches go for either £30.00, £35.00, or £36.00, whereas tickets for category B matches cost either £25.00, £29.00, or £30.00.
Sunderland consistently attracts average attendance of around 40,000, so for most games tickets will be available. For more information call the Ticket Office at +44 (0) 871 911 1973.
Stadium tours
The club organises guided stadium tours round the stadium. The tour, which lasts about 60 minutes, includes a visit to the players’ lounge, dressing room, players’ tunnel, and dugouts. Tours run most days of the week except matchdays.
For specific dates and times, and to make reservations, call the Tours Hotline +44 (0) 871 911 1224 or use the online contact form. The tour costs £10.00.
Relevant Internet links:
Safc.com – Official website of Sunderland AFC.
Visitsunderland.com – Tourist information about the Sunderland area.
Nexus.org.uk – Journey planner and Sunderland area public transport information.
Keep up to date with the latest stadium news by following @stadiumguide on Twitter (all updates) or liking our Facebook page (occasional updates). 
