The Liverpool FC Forum > The Away Ground Guide
Sunderland
Tarpaulin:
STADIUM OF LIGHT
Website: www.safc.com/
Unofficial sites:Read to go & Red & White Barmy
Address: Stadium Of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU
Main Telephone Number: 0191-551-5000
Ticket Office: 0845-671-1973
Capacity: 48,300
Away Allocation: 2900
Fixtures
DIRECTIONS
To see a map of the ground and the surrounding area click here
By Car
Exit the A1 at the Durham/Sunderland exit and take the A690 towards Sunderland. After about eight miles, turn left onto the A19, signposted for the Tyne Tunnel. Stay in the left hand lane and take the Sunderland slip road onto the bridge over the River Wear. Turn right onto the A1231 following the signs for Sunderland. Go straight over four roundabouts into Sunderland. Then go through two sets of traffic lights and you will see the Stadium car park on your right, about a mile after the traffic lights. However there is only limited parking at the ground, so alternatively, you can park in the city centre and walk to the ground (about 10-15 minutes). The traffic for a couple of miles around the ground was solid when I went so allow plenty of time for your journey.
There is also a 'Park & Ride' scheme in operation on matchdays, free for both home and away supporters. This is situated at Sunderland Enterprise Park, which is well signposted just off the A1231. Buses run every five minutes, for 90 minutes before kick off and continue after the game until everyone has gone.
By Train
Sunderland train station in the city centre is walkable from the stadium (around 15 minutes). From the train station, exit between W.H.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. From here you can see stadium as it is on raised ground. Simply cross the bridge, and turn left into Millennium Way, opposite the Wheatsheaf pub (home fans only). The away turnstiles are located on the side of the ground which is straight ahead".
A new 'Metro' train service has started running to Sunderland, with two new stations 'Stadium of Light' and 'St. Peters' both serving the stadium. The metro provides regular and rapid transport from both Newcastle and the South of Sunderland. Both new stations are only a few minutes walk from the stadium, although away supporters should alight at St Peters Station as that is closer to their entrance. This provides an alternative to the regular rail services. Please note though that after the game the Stadium of Light metro station only operates Northbound (i.e. towards Newcastle) and St Peters metro station only operates Southbound (i.e. towards Sunderland centre).
Thoughts:
Sunderlands stadium is very similar in design to many of the modern grounds, and as such doesnt have much originality about it. Kinda like a pre fab stadia. That said, the facilities are good, and its a tidy place to go to watch footie. Dcent facilities and the away fans are located in the "Metro FM Stand" behind the goal, and its a decent view of the game. [see below pic] That said, the stewards are very OTT here [or have been on the occassions ive visitied] Moaning for persistant standing, smoking, and swearing!!! [yes, swearing] When I went, there were loads of ejections, and ive spoken to other fans who have said similar - so just be aware. Also, after the game, traffic away from the ground can be a nightmare. Took us 45+ on all occassions weve been.
Pub guide and extras
There are bars inside the ground, however they get really crowded. I would recommend the William Jameson (Wetherspoons pub) in the centre of town for a drink before or after the game. Also the new Yates's bar opposite Wetherspoons or try 'Idols' on High Street West, in the city centre, which has good beer and scantily clad barmaids and dancers. The beer is not bad too! Away fans are welcome'.
Away Fans:
Adults - £35
Concessions - £20
Red & White Review Official Programme £23
A Love Supreme Fanzine £2
Sex & Chocolate Fanzine £1.50
The Wearside Roar Fanzine (TWR) £2
Disabled Facilities
IamDave:
Park and Ride. As this is on the Enterprise Park, make sure you park in the yellow-signposted MATCHDAY P & R. Look out for somebody in fluorescent jacket to guide you in. Clamping operates in the area.
There is a retail park opposite it, and coming back in the dark, one can see MFI, Argos, and Comet, so can tell when to get off the bus.
Return buses lined up along Keir Hardie Way - main road to the West of the stadium.
AdamL:
its easy to walk from the town centre to the ground. this isnt a ground in the middle of nowhere, its just over a bridge from the city centre. if you dunno where the ground is an its a night game, look in the sky - there'll be spotlights to guide you.
glass_ankles:
If you get the Metro in from Newcastle down to Sunderland station (in town) for a few bevvies before the match, don't be alarmed if when heading up to the stadium you see what looks like the Tyne Bridge - no, you haven't walked back to Newcastle, it's just another bridge that looks like it - we had a few drinks in town and come out to head up for the match and thought "hang on....." ;D
NZ_Red:
--- Quote from: AdamL on December 2, 2005, 08:38:18 pm ---its easy to walk from the town centre to the ground. this isnt a ground in the middle of nowhere, its just over a bridge from the city centre. if you dunno where the ground is an its a night game, look in the sky - there'll be spotlights to guide you.
--- End quote ---
Or mackems torches as my geordie cabbie put it!
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