Sunderland were founded in 1879 and are one of the North East's major football clubs. Known as The Black Cats, the club have won multiple league titles and FA Cups, with much of their modern identity tied to the Stadium of Light and a large, passionate regional support. Sunderland's rivalry with Newcastle United is one of English football's fiercest derbies and a major part of the club's story.
The Stadium of Light is Sunderland's modern home on the north bank of the River Wear, built on the former Wearmouth Colliery site and opened in 1997. It replaced Roker Park and remains one of the largest stadiums in English football outside the traditional biggest clubs. The ground is close to Sunderland city centre, the river, the Wearmouth Bridge and the Stadium of Light Metro station.
The stadium is a large, enclosed bowl with four connected stands rather than four completely separate old-style structures. The South Stand, North Stand, East Stand and West Stand wrap around the pitch, with the West Stand containing many of the main club and hospitality facilities. The Roker End/South Stand side is a key home-supporter area, while away supporters have, for a long period, been housed high in the North Stand Upper.
The Stadium of Light can feel very big when crowds are lower, but when Sunderland are in form and the home support is fully engaged, it becomes a powerful venue. The scale, steep upper tiers and red-and-white identity give it a very different feel from smaller traditional north-east grounds. For neutrals, the side stands give the best all-round view, while the stronger home atmosphere is usually behind the goals and in the more vocal home sections.
A North East rivalry about more than football, carrying city pride, industrial history and the long-running edge between Newcastle and Sunderland.
Newcastle UnitedSunderland AFCSt James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne | Premier League
Sunderland AFCNewcastle UnitedStadium of Light, Sunderland | Premier League
A North East fixture with Teesside and Wearside identity at its core, often carrying extra bite when both clubs are chasing regional bragging rights.
No upcoming rivalry fixture currently listed.
While not a traditional geographical derby, the rivalry between Sunderland and Coventry City is built on a deep historical grudge dating back to the infamous "Jimmy Hill" incident in 1977.
Coventry CitySunderland AFCThe Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry | Premier League
Sunderland AFCCoventry CityStadium of Light, Sunderland | Premier League
Away supporters at the Stadium of Light are to remain in the North Stand Upper for the 2026/27 Premier League season. Sunderland confirmed in March 2026 that the Premier League had approved the club's request for visiting supporters to stay in that location, meaning the away end remains high behind the goal rather than moving to a lower section.
The North Stand Upper gives a wide, clear view of the pitch, but it is a long way from the action. Like Newcastle's away section, it can feel very high compared with many English away ends. Travelling supporters should be prepared for stairs, upper-tier concourse movement and a more distant view than at compact grounds. The benefit is that sightlines are generally good and the allocation is easy to segregate.
Away supporters should follow the route and entrance information issued by their own club and Sunderland. The stadium is close to the Metro and city centre, but police and stewarding can manage away routes, particularly for large followings or north-east fixtures. After full-time, expect controlled movement around the North Stand and towards the Metro or coach parking.
From the north, use the A19 southbound and follow signs towards Sunderland, joining Wessington Way/A1231 for the Stadium of Light. The ground is straightforward to reach by road, but vehicle lockdowns and closures operate around the stadium on matchdays. Use signed parking or park-and-ride rather than aiming for streets immediately beside the ground.
From the south, use the A1(M) towards Durham, then the A690 into Sunderland, or connect with the A19 depending on traffic. The stadium is accessible via Wessington Way/A1231 once close. Parking around the ground is limited and residential restrictions are common, so plan your parking before travelling.
From the coast or east side of Sunderland, use local routes towards the Wearmouth Bridge/Stadium of Light area. Roads nearest the stadium can close on matchdays and traffic across the river can be slow. Consider city-centre car parks and walking over the bridge if that suits your route.
From the west, use the A690 or A1231/Wessington Way depending on your starting point, then follow signs for the Stadium of Light. The A19 and A1 links make the ground relatively accessible, but the final section can be affected by matchday closures. Allow time for parking and walking to the stadium.
St Peter's Metro Station is one of the best Metro stops for the Stadium of Light and is often the closest practical stop for the ground. It is on the Tyne & Wear Metro network and works well for supporters arriving from Newcastle, Gateshead, the Airport, South Hylton or the wider Metro system. The walk is short, but platforms and trains will be busy on matchdays.
Stadium of Light Metro Station is named for the ground and is another useful Metro option, around a 10-minute walk depending on your stand and route. It is on the Green line between Newcastle Airport and South Hylton. Despite the name, St Peter's may be more convenient for some supporters, so check which station best suits your route and end of the stadium.
Sunderland Station is the main National Rail and Metro station in the city centre and is a practical 15 to 20-minute walk from the Stadium of Light. It is useful for supporters arriving by rail from Newcastle, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Durham-side connections or longer-distance services. From there, either walk across the Wear or take the Metro one stop closer.
From St Peter's Metro Station, walk over the short pedestrian route towards the Stadium of Light. The walk usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes. It is often the best Metro stop for the ground, especially for supporters arriving from Newcastle, Gateshead or the Airport side of the network.
From Stadium of Light Metro Station, walk towards the stadium along the signed pedestrian route. The walk is usually around 10 minutes depending on your stand. Despite the name, St Peter's can be slightly more convenient for some entrances, so check your route before travelling.
From Sunderland Station, walk north through the city centre and across the River Wear towards the Stadium of Light. The walk usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. It is a good option for supporters arriving by National Rail or Metro who want to use city-centre pubs and food before heading to the ground.
Newcastle International Airport is the best airport for Sunderland. The airport has its own Metro station, and the Tyne & Wear Metro runs through Newcastle and onward towards Sunderland. For the Stadium of Light, travel by Metro towards Sunderland and use St Peter's, Stadium of Light or Sunderland station depending on your preferred walk. This is much better than trying to use an airport outside the region.
Teesside International Airport is geographically possible for Sunderland, but it is less straightforward by public transport. The practical route is usually taxi or bus towards Darlington or Middlesbrough, then rail onwards to Sunderland. It can work if the flight route suits, but Newcastle International is normally the better football-travel airport because of the direct Metro network.
Routes including 35, 36 and 56 serve stops close to the Stadium of Light area, including Southwick Road / Howard Street near The Colliery Tavern. They are useful from Sunderland city centre and wider local routes, but buses will be affected by matchday traffic.
Station Taxis are one of Sunderland's main local taxi operators. A taxi is useful from Sunderland station, hotels or surrounding towns, but arrange pick-up away from the immediate stadium roads after full-time because bridge and stadium traffic can be heavy.
St Mary's is one of the best city-centre parking options for the Stadium of Light. Park in the city centre, then walk across the Wear towards the ground. It avoids the permit-only streets immediately around the stadium and works well if you want food or pubs before the match. Check current tariff and opening hours.
The Bridges car park is another useful city-centre option for Sunderland. It gives a straightforward walk over the river to the Stadium of Light and avoids the residential permit scheme near the ground. It is paid parking, so check tariff and closing times for evening matches.
Some on-site Stadium of Light parking is available through the current parking operator when spaces are released, with app-based payment and accessible bays promoted. However, SAFC also state that matchday parking is limited and some areas are for seasonal hospitality clients or partners only. Treat this as pre-check/pre-book parking, not turn-up guaranteed parking.
Queen Street Masonic Temple has been listed as pre-paid matchday parking around 25 minutes' walk from the Stadium of Light, with a guide price around £10. It is useful if you want a confirmed space away from the stadium traffic. Check availability and book before travelling.
Sunderland Enterprise Park Park & Ride is a useful option when operating, especially for drivers who want to avoid the immediate stadium permit zone. Park outside the busiest area and continue by shuttle or public transport towards the ground. Check current SAFC or Sunderland Council matchday arrangements before relying on it.
The Fans Museum is a unique celebration of football heritage, passion and people. Based in Sunderland, it brings the beautiful game to life through an incredible collection of memorabilia and fully licenced bars. Both Home and Away fans welcome for a unique pre-match experience.
Central Sunderland pub close to the station and a practical pre-match option before walking over the Wear towards the Stadium of Light. Check colours and match category for bigger fixtures.
City-centre Sunderland pub and music venue, useful for away supporters before walking to the Stadium of Light. It is close enough to the ground without being right on the stadium footprint.
Traditional pub in Sunderland city centre, useful before heading to the Stadium of Light. It is better suited to supporters drinking in town rather than immediately outside the ground.
City-centre Sunderland bar and food venue, useful before walking to the Stadium of Light. Better for supporters arriving early by train or Metro.
City-centre pub and venue serving food and drinks, useful for away supporters before walking to the Stadium of Light.
Independent Sunderland cafe option useful for early arrivals wanting coffee, breakfast or lighter food before heading towards the Stadium of Light.
The most convenient hotel for the Stadium of Light, located beside the ground. Ideal if you want to stay right by Sunderland AFC.
Budget-style city-centre hotel within walking distance of the Stadium of Light. Useful for supporters arriving by rail or Metro.
Central chain hotel useful for Stadium of Light trips, with food, pubs and Metro/rail access nearby. Book early for weekend fixtures.
The Stadium of Light is relatively easy to reach by public transport. Stadium of Light and St Peter's Metro stations are both useful, while Sunderland railway station and city-centre pubs are within walking distance for many supporters. The walk across the Wearmouth Bridge from the city side is one of the classic approaches to the ground.
Driving is possible, but matchday parking near the stadium is limited and traffic around the river crossings, Sheepfolds and the A1231 can be slow. Supporters should use official parking, park-and-walk options or public transport rather than assuming they can park right beside the stadium.
Away fans should remember that the away section is high in the North Stand Upper, so it is worth entering earlier than usual rather than leaving it until the last few minutes. Sunderland is a passionate football city, and fixtures against clubs with large travelling support can be lively around the centre and stadium approaches. Follow club and police guidance on recommended pubs and routes.
Sunderland home tickets are sold through the club's official ticketing channels, with priority normally given to season-card holders, members and supporters with booking history depending on fixture demand. In a Premier League season, demand is likely to be significantly higher than in recent lower-division campaigns, especially for major fixtures and north-east games.
For neutrals, the East or West Stand side views are usually the best option, offering a clearer view of the whole pitch and a less intense experience than the home ends. The stronger home atmosphere is behind the goals and in the established vocal areas. Seats close to the away section are less of an issue than at some grounds because the away support is high in the North Stand Upper, but the surrounding lower areas can still be lively.
Away tickets are sold by the visiting club and will follow that club's loyalty or priority system. Travelling supporters should check that they are comfortable with an upper-tier away location before buying, particularly if they dislike heights or need easier access.
The Stadium of Light operates standard football ground regulations, including searches on entry, no pyrotechnics, no pitch encroachment, no discriminatory behaviour and no alcohol consumption in view of the pitch. Supporters should use the correct entrance and follow steward instructions, especially around the North Stand away access.
Large bags and unnecessary luggage should not be brought to the stadium unless the club has specifically confirmed they are allowed. Supporters should expect bag checks and ticket checks at the turnstiles.
Because the stadium is close to the Metro, the river and city-centre routes, crowd management outside the ground can change depending on fixture risk and attendance. Supporters should follow police and steward instructions after full-time rather than assuming every route will be immediately open.
Sunderland publish accessibility information for the Stadium of Light, including advice for disabled supporters, accessible ticketing and matchday assistance. Supporters with access needs should contact the club in advance and confirm the most suitable seating, entrance and parking or drop-off arrangements.
Away disabled supporters should book through the visiting club and check how accessible provision is handled for the North Stand Upper away allocation. Because the away section is high in the stadium, supporters who require step-free routes, lift access, wheelchair positions or ambulant disabled seating should confirm the exact arrangements before travelling.
The stadium is modern compared with many older grounds, but the size of the venue and the upper-tier away location make planning important. Supporters should consider the route from Metro, coach parking or car park to the correct entrance, and allow extra time for lifts, concourses and post-match crowds.
Sunderland have offered Stadium of Light tours, including behind-the-scenes access to areas such as the tunnel, dressing-room spaces, pitchside and media areas when available. The club and local coverage around recent stadium improvements have highlighted tour access to updated areas of the ground, although availability can depend on fixtures and stadium operations.
Supporters should check Sunderland's official website before travelling, because regular public tour dates may vary during a Premier League season, around events or during any further stadium works. If no current tour dates are listed, visitors should contact the club rather than assuming walk-up tours are available.
Major Sunderland attraction close to the Stadium of Light and the River Wear. Useful before the match, especially for early arrivals.
Seafront area north-east of the stadium, useful if you want to make more of the Sunderland away day before heading back to the ground.
City-centre museum and gardens, useful for supporters arriving by train before walking to the Stadium of Light.
Official website for Sunderland AFC. Useful for tickets, travel updates, accessibility information, stadium rules and matchday announcements.
Official Sunderland ticketing page for match tickets, membership sales, hospitality, accessibility information and fixture-specific ticket updates.
Useful starting point for information about Stadium of Light, including visitor details, stadium facilities and matchday guidance where available.