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Stadium of Light | Sunderland A.F.C football ground guide

Stadium of Light guide

The Stadium of Light is an all-seater football stadium in Sunderland, England, and the eighth and current home to Sunderland A.F.C. With space for 48,707 spectators, the Stadium of Light is the ninth largest football stadium in England. The stadium primarily hosts Sunderland A.F.C. home matches. The stadium was named by chairman Bob Murray to reflect the coal mining heritage of the North East and the former Monkwearmouth Colliery site on which it stands. A Davy lamp monument stands at the entrance to reflect the coal mining industry that brought prosperity to the town.

The Stadium of Light was built on the site of the former Monkwearmouth Colliery, which closed in 1993. Construction began in May 1996 and the stadium was officially opened on 9 July 1997 with a friendly match against Ajax. The stadium’s original capacity was 42,000, but this was increased to 48,707 in 2000 when a new stand was added to the north end of the ground.

The Stadium of Light has hosted a number of major football matches, including England internationals, FA Cup semi-finals and the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between England and Ukraine. The stadium has also hosted a number of concerts, including performances by Rihanna, Beyoncé and Coldplay.

The Stadium of Light is a popular tourist destination and is often visited by fans from all over the world. The stadium offers a range of tours and experiences, including the chance to walk out onto the pitch, visit the dressing rooms and learn about the stadium’s history.

Here are some of the things you can do at the Stadium of Light:

  • Take a tour of the stadium.
  • Visit the club shop.
  • Have a meal in the stadium’s restaurant.
  • Watch a Sunderland A.F.C. match.
  • Attend a concert or other event.
  • Take a photo with the stadium in the background.

The Stadium of Light is a great place to visit for football fans, tourists and locals alike. It is a modern stadium with a rich history and a vibrant atmosphere.

Pubs near the Stadium of Light, home of Sunderland A.F.C

  • The Colliery Tavern is a traditional pub with a large selection of beers and a friendly atmosphere. It is located directly opposite the stadium, making it a great place to go for a pre-match drink. Address: 2 Hedworth Ln, Boldon Colliery NE35 9HS. Phone: 0191 447 2252.
  • The Victory is another popular pub near the stadium. It has a large beer garden and a menu of traditional pub food. Address: 39-41 North Bridge St, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland SR5 1AH. Phone: 0191 565 9209.
  • The Saltgrass is a more modern pub with a large selection of cocktails and a menu of American-inspired food. It is located a short walk from the stadium, making it a great place to go for a post-match drink. Address: Ayres Quay, Hanover Pl, Sunderland SR4 6BY. Phone: 0191 543 6309.
  • The Dun Cow is a traditional pub with a focus on real ale. It is located in the city centre, making it a great place to go for a drink before or after a trip to the stadium. Address: 9 High St W, Sunderland SR1 3HA. Phone: 0191 567 2262.
  • The Peacock is a popular pub with a large beer garden and a menu of traditional pub food. It is located a short walk from the stadium, making it a great place to go for a pre-match drink. Address: 287 High St W, Sunderland SR1 3ES. Phone: 0191 514 3494.

These are just a few of the many great pubs near the Stadium of Light. With so many options to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect place to enjoy a drink with friends before or after a match.

Pubs near the Stadium of Light for away fans

  • Greens is a popular pub with a wide selection of beers and a friendly atmosphere. It’s located just a short walk from the stadium on Roker Road. Address: 36, Low Row, Sunderland SR1 3PY. Phone: 0191 567 2662.
  • Victors is a traditional pub with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s located on Victor Street, just a short walk from the stadium. Address: 38, Low Row, Sunderland SR1 3PY. Phone: 0191 909 7383.
  • The Engine Room is a great option for those looking for a more relaxed pre-match drink. It’s located in the city centre, about a 10-minute walk from the stadium. Address: Fire Station, High St W, Sunderland SR1 3HA. Phone: 0191 594 7244.
  • The Peacock is a traditional pub with a great selection of beers and a friendly atmosphere. It’s located in the city centre, about a 10-minute walk from the stadium. Address: 287 High St W, Sunderland SR1 3ES. Phone: 0191 514 3494.

If you’re looking for something a little further from the stadium, you could try the following:

  • Harbour View Pub is a great option for those looking for a drink with a view. It’s located on the seafront, about a 15-minute walk from the stadium. Address: 1 Benedict Rd, Roker, Sunderland SR6 0NX. Phone: 0191 567 1402.
  • Colliery Tavern is a traditional pub with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s located in the suburb of East Herrington, about a 20-minute walk from the stadium. Address: 2 Hedworth Ln, Boldon Colliery NE35 9HS. Phone: 0191 447 2252.
  • Hilton Hotel has a number of bars and restaurants, all of which are welcoming to away fans. It’s located just a short walk from the stadium. Address: Vaux Brewery Way, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland SR5 1SN. Phone: 0191 500 9494.

No matter which pub you choose, be sure to arrive early to avoid disappointment, as they can get very busy on match days.

Hotels near the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, England

  • Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland – This hotel is located just a 5-minute walk from the stadium and offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi. It also has a fitness centre and a restaurant.
  • Premier Inn Sunderland City Centre – This budget hotel is located in the city centre, just a 10-minute walk from the stadium. It offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant and a bar.
  • Travelodge Sunderland Central – This budget hotel is also located in the city centre, just a 10-minute walk from the stadium. It offers basic rooms with free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant and a bar.
  • Holiday Inn Sunderland, an IHG Hotel – This hotel is located a short drive from the stadium and offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi. It also has a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.
  • Roker Hotel – This boutique hotel is located in a historic building in the Roker district of Sunderland, just a 15-minute walk from the stadium. It offers stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant and a bar.

All of these hotels offer shuttle service to the stadium on match days.

How to get to the Stadium of Light

By car

The Stadium of Light is located just off the A19, so it’s easy to get to by car. If you’re coming from the north, take the A19 south and follow the signs for Sunderland. If you’re coming from the south, take the A19 north and follow the signs for Sunderland. Once you’re in Sunderland, follow the signs for the Stadium of Light. There is a large car park at the stadium, but it can fill up quickly on match days.

By train

The nearest train station to the Stadium of Light is Sunderland Railway Station. It’s a short walk from the station to the stadium. Trains run frequently from all over the country, so it’s easy to get to Sunderland by train.

By bus

There are several bus routes that stop near the Stadium of Light. The number 1 bus runs from Sunderland city centre to the stadium, and the number 2 bus runs from Washington to the stadium. Buses run frequently, so it’s easy to get to the stadium by bus.

By walking or cycling

The Stadium of Light is located in the city centre, so it’s possible to walk or cycle to the stadium. If you’re walking, it’s about a 15-minute walk from Sunderland city centre. If you’re cycling, there are several cycle paths that lead to the stadium.

Once you’re at the stadium, there are a number of things to see and do. You can take a tour of the stadium, visit the club shop, or have a drink in one of the bars. There is also a large open space outside the stadium where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere before the match.

Official club website

Sunderland AFC

Fan forums and websites

Things to do at the Stadium of Light, home of Sunderland AFC.

  • Watch a Sunderland AFC match. This is the most obvious thing to do at the Stadium of Light, and it’s a great way to experience the atmosphere of this iconic stadium. Sunderland AFC is a professional football club in the English Football League Championship. They have a long and proud history, and their fans are some of the most passionate in the country.
  • Take a stadium tour. If you’re not able to catch a match, you can still get a behind-the-scenes look at the Stadium of Light by taking a tour. Tours run throughout the year and give you the chance to see the players’ tunnel, the dressing rooms, and the pitch.
  • Visit the Fans Museum. The Fans Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Sunderland AFC and its fans. The museum has a collection of memorabilia, including trophies, photographs, and match-worn shirts.
  • Enjoy a drink at the Stadium of Light Bar. The Stadium of Light Bar is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink before or after a match. The bar has a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits, as well as a menu of food and snacks.
  • Take a walk around the stadium. Even if you’re not a football fan, it’s worth taking a walk around the Stadium of Light. The stadium is an impressive sight, and you can get some great views of the surrounding area.
  • Visit the nearby attractions. There are a number of other attractions nearby, including the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, the National Glass Centre, and the Seaburn Beach.

Things you can do near the Stadium of Light in Sunderland

  • Visit the Stadium of Light itself and take a tour. You can learn about the history of the stadium and see the changing rooms, pitch, and stands.
  • Go for a walk or run along the seafront at Roker Beach or Seaburn Beach.
  • Visit the National Glass Centre, where you can see exhibitions of glass art and learn about the history of glassmaking.
  • Take a walk in Herrington Country Park, which has woodland, lakes, and a river.
  • Visit the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, which has a collection of objects from the history of Sunderland, as well as a tropical butterfly house.
  • See a show at the Sunderland Empire, a theatre that has hosted performances by many famous actors and singers.
  • Go shopping in Sunderland city centre, which has a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.

Here are some other options, depending on your interests:

  • If you’re interested in history, you could visit the Sunderland Maritime Museum, the Weardale Railway Museum, or the Beamish Museum.
  • If you’re interested in nature, you could visit the RSPB Reserve at Saltholme, the Wear Valley Railway, or the Butterfly World.
  • If you’re interested in art, you could visit the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, the Sunderland Arts Centre, or the Roker Art Gallery.

I hope this gives you some ideas for things to do near the Stadium of Light.