The Stadium of Light is a newish build and as such is typical in its 'bowl' construction. However, it is different from many newly built stadia because of its scale, with a second tier looping round half the stadium contributing to the 49,000 capacity. Behind the goal is the North and South Stands and has excellent views as you would get from any area in the stadium. On the exterior you'll find many things to see and take photos of including a statue of 1973 FA Cup Final winning manager Bob Stokoe.
Approximately 3,000 visiting supporters can be catered for at the SOL and they're situated in the upper tier of the North Stand behind one of the goals. The view of the action is fantastic from all seats and leg room is also very spacious. Facilities and refreshments are good with pies, burgers and hot dogs setting you back around £4. Alcohol is also available in the away end at around £4.50 per pint.
Visiting supporters can access the stadium using turnstiles 69-74 which open 90 minutes before kick-off.
Stadium Of Light seating plan:
For a detailed look into the best and worst places to sit at Sunderland's Stadium Of Light, check out their team page on 'Where To Sit?' which features plenty of information and photos submitted by fans with views from their seats - Best Places To Sit at the Stadium Of Light
Recommended pubs for away fans include The Albion on Victor Street (SR6 0EN), The Wheatsheaf at 207 Roker Avenue (SR6 0BN), The Avenue at 26 Zetland Street (SR6 0EQ), Greens at 36 Low Row (SR1 3PY) and Streetbar SR1 also on Low Row (SR1 3QA).
The Foundation of Light hosts the official Sunderland Fanzone in their Beacon of Light building on matchdays. It's located next to the stadium and provides a decent pre-match build-up for all supporters ahead of the game. The Fanzone is accessible to fans of both teams and opens two and a half hours before kick-off.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of the stadium is quite difficult although there is a large car park at the stadium that is generally reserved for permit holders. However, the club operate a free park and ride service with buses running every five minutes, from 90 minutes before kick off. You can also park in the town centre and walk back 10-15 minutes to the stadium. Whichever option you choose, allow plenty of time as there's always a lot of traffic on match days.
Secure a parking space near to the Stadium of Light and save £££. Simply book a nearby space or driveway with JustPark
Get directions to the Stadium Of Light from your house by entering your post code or location below:
The nearest / closest train station to Sunderland's Stadium Of Light is Sunderland. Trains run from Newcastle's mainline Central Station on the half hour and take around 20 minutes to get to Sunderland's rail station, which is a 10-15 minute walk from the Stadium of Light.
The Tyne and Wear Metro serves the stadium via both Stadium of Light and St Peter’s stations. After matches, supporters travelling towards South Hylton must board at St Peter’s, while those heading northbound towards Newcastle must use Stadium of Light station. Visit Nexus for more information on Metro, including journey planning. A ‘Take the Kids for Free’ offer is in place, which is permanent, all day every day, all year round.
Rivals - Newcastle, Middlesboro
If you're looking to get tickets to a Sunderland game please consider using Anyseats.
Visiting supporters are located in the North Stand at the Stadium of Light. The precise allocation should be confirmed from the ticket and match-specific supporter information.
Visiting supporters normally use turnstiles 69 to 74.
Stadium of Light and St Peter's Metro stations both serve the stadium. The best station can depend on your direction of travel and matchday crowd arrangements.
Matchday parking around the Stadium of Light is restricted and availability is limited. Supporters should check Sunderland's current parking guidance before travelling.
Visiting-supporter turnstiles normally open 90 minutes before kick-off.
Yes. Sunderland provides wheelchair spaces, accessible seating and facilities for supporters with disabilities and additional access requirements.
Yes. Sunderland offers stadium tours which can include behind-the-scenes areas such as the dressing rooms and players' tunnel.
The Tyne and Wear Metro is one of the most convenient ways to reach the stadium. Both Stadium of Light and St Peter's stations are within walking distance.
Travel: A long car journey from Portsmouth but a 5am departure evaded any traffic build-ups and we arrived in Sunderland at 10.30am. It was easy to park in the Roker Beach seafront area near our booked accommodation.
Refreshments: A good pub crawl taking in the Harbour View, Albion and Wheatsheaf pubs. All away friendly and good banter with the locals. Had a stottie (local name for a large bread roll) on the way to the ground so was an enjoyable time pre-match.
Impressions: I have been to Stadium of Light on a previous occasion but the away fans were located in a different part of the ground on this occasion so we had some difficulty in locating the correct turnstiles.
Atmosphere: It was a tense game but a good atmosphere, though there were some problems when a smoke bomb was thrown from the away section onto home supporters below. The away section is too far from the pitch and should not be located above home supporters. The game ended 1-1. No problem getting away from the ground as stayed in Sunderland on the Saturday evening.
Enjoy: A good day out in a place with similarities to Portsmouth as both sets of supporters are loyal and like a matchday drink in the pubs.
Ground Name: Stadium Of Light
Capacity: 49,000 (all seated)
Address: Stadium Of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU
Main Tel No.: 0871 911 1200
Team Nickname: The Black Cats
Year Ground Opened: 1997
Site: www.safc.com
