SUNDERLAND
Stadium of Light (capacity 49,000)
The Stadium of Light has been home to Sunderland since 1997, having spent the previous 99 years at Roker Park which lacked opportunity for expansion. The name of stadium is a link to the thousands of miners that emerged into the light every day after work. A Davy Lamp monument stands at the entrance to reflect this coal mining industry.
The stadium looks really impressive, is totally enclosed, and consists of a couple of three tiered stands, and a couple of two tiered stands. It was built with expansion in mind, and if the club added another tier to the East and South Stands, the capacity would rise to around 66,000.
Away fans visiting the Stadium of Light are located in the Upper Tier of the North Stand behind the goal, with a typical allocation of around 3,000.
Founded: 1879 | Web: www.safc.com | Phone: 0871 911 1200 | Email: enquiries@safc.com
Adults: £25
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£2.30
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For directions to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light (SR5 1SU for Sat Navs) from wherever your journey starts, just type in your postcode or starting location here:
On occasions, there are a limited number of car parking spaces available at the stadium itself, and there is a residents only parking scheme in operation in the surrounding area. There are, however, other options including pay and display, and a Park and Ride scheme.
We’ve compiled a list of car parks, below, near to the Stadium of Light for hassle free parking while you’re at the match.
| Car Park | Sat Nav | Cost | Distance to Ground | Description |
| Stadium of Light Car Park | SR5 1SU | £15 | 0.1km | When available, parking at the Stadium of Light itself is a convenient option for away fans. However, please check with the ticket office (0871 911 1973) before you travel to check if there will be any matchday parking available, as recently it has been all sold out to season pass holders. |
| Sunderland Enterprise Park – Park and Ride | SR5 3XG | Free | 3.5km | Buses run from the well signposted Enterprise Park, which is just off the A1231. They run every 5 minutes from 90 minutes prior to kick off, and return from Keir Hardie Way until all supporters have left the ground. |
| St Mary’s Car Park | SR1 3AH | £4.80 | 1.3km | St Mary’s Car Park is on the ring road which is easily accessible and is just a 10 minute walk from the stadium. However, it does get very busy so getting there early is advisable. |
| Sunniside Car Park | SR1 1UL | £4 | 1.3km | Sunniside Car Park is one of three multi-storey car parks that Sunderland AFC recommend for fans to use, and it’s just a 10 minute walk from the Stadium of Light. |
| The Bridges Car Park | SR1 3DR | £5.20 | 1.6km | The Bridges Car Park is one of three multi-storey car parks that Sunderland AFC recommend for fans to use, and it’s just a 10 minute walk from the Stadium of Light. |
| Stadium of Light Metro Station | SR6 0DN | £4 | 1.1km | The Stadium of Light Metro Station Car Park could be a good option for away fans given it’s proximity to the stadium. |
| Chester Road – Park and Walk | SR1 3SD | Free | 1.9km | A Park and Walk scheme operates from two sites at the University of Sunderland, and one of them is on Chester Road. A good option for those who don’t mind walking to the ground. It is well signposted once you’re in the area, just follow the signs for ‘Match Day Parking’. |
| St Peter’s – Park and Walk | SR6 0DD | Free | 1.4km | A Park and Walk scheme operates from two sites at the University of Sunderland, and one of them is based at St. Peter’s. A good option for those who don’t mind walking to the ground. It is well signposted once you’re in the area, just follow the signs for ‘Match Day Parking’. |
Sunderland railway station is in the heart of the city centre and is walkable from the stadium (around 15 minutes). Exit the station between WH Smith and the bakery, then turn left and walk down High St West. You’ll then turn left again and walk up Fawcett St to the Wear Bridge. You’ll be able to see the Stadium of Light on the horizon. Cross over the bridge and turn left in to Millennium Way, which is opposite the Wheatsheaf pub (which is designated as a pub for home fans). The away end is located straight in front of you, on the side of the stadium.
The other option is to take Metro, which is served by both Newcastle Central Station, and Sunderland railway station. Both the Stadium of Light station, and St. Peters station are only a few minutes walk from the stadium, though St Peters Station is 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 make sure you head to the right one.
Find train times and book your tickets for the best available prices by clicking through to the trainline website below:
There are a number of away friendly pubs near the Stadium of Light, all of which cater to different needs. Please note, however, that some bars require club colours to be covered and some do not allow children.
However, rather than take our word for it, we want to give you the view from other away fans who have visited the Stadium of Light.
Over the coming months we will be building up fans reviews of the best places to drink on an away trip to Sunderland, and you’ll be able to find them here.
In the meantime, we’ve included a map below with all the best away pubs highlighted for you.
Sunderland offers a variety of overnight accommodation to suit all budgets.
Use our Booking.com panel to get availability and to book at the best prices:
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See what other away fans think of Sunderland’s Stadium of Light in our ‘Away Day Reviews’.
If you’ve already been, then you can share your experience with us by writing your own review.
See how Sunderland perform in our away day rankings, where away fans rate the pie, pint, cuppa and away day overall.
Check out our photo gallery where you can view other away fans’ photos. You can also share your own experience by uploading your own!