Our first visit to Sunderland since February 2017 means that it is a new ground for some Southampton supporters, despite the fact that it is a lunchtime kick off a fair few will be making the trip, find out all you need to know here.
The Ground
Its hard to believe that Sunderland moved to the Stadium Of Light 26 years ago from their old stadium Roker Park, ironically in the last season at Roker Saints were involved in a relegation battle along with Sunderland and played up there in the last ever floodlit League game at the old stadium, an Egil Ostenstadt goal separating the sides.
After that the Mackems moved half a mile up the road to the site of an old colliery with the name meant to reflect the light from a miners helmet rather than a tribute to the more famous stadium that is home to Benfica.
The ground itself is a bigger version of St Mary's on two sides in many respects, with an extra tier added on the other two sides that increased the capacity after construction to 49,000.
However perhaps Saints fans who in the past clamoured for big increases to St Mary's should take note that the ground is rarely filled and this leads to many games looking like they are being played in a half empty stadium,in fact even a crowd of 36,000 or so sees rafts of empty seats.
Getting There
By Road
Its a long old haul, follow the A34 North to Oxford, hit the M40 and then continue on to the M42 and follow signs to the M1, from the M1 its signposted to the North East via the A1, as you get near Sunderland take Junction 62 off the A1 and follow the A690 towards Sunderland, the ground is well signposted.
Post Code for SAT NAV: SR5 1SU
Parking
A Park & Ride is in operation again well signposted from the roads heading towards the ground from the A1, street parking around SOL is limited although as usual there are various unofficial car parks, other alternatives include parking in the City Centre which is about a 10 minute walk across the bridge to the ground,.
By Train
Sunderland station is about a 15 minute walk although there are metro stops near the ground if you use that system, strangely St Peter's metro is nearer the City Centre than the Stadium Of Light station and also about the same walk, as from St Peter's.
The Away Section
Visiting fans in the upper tier of the Carling North Stand, which although giving a great view is a little isolated from the rest of the stadium, the two upper tiered sides giving a little bit of an impression that its not quite balanced right. Why is it a North East thing to put away fans in upper tiers.
It involves a lot of stairs to get up to this level so if you aren't great on climbing stairs allow yourself a little more time to get to your seat than normal.
The catering in the ground includes all the usual fare including alcohol, £3.40 a pint back in 2017, but I suspect a little dearer now. and is generally regarded as being better than most Premier clubs in this respect.
Be warned though the stewards and police are very strict and clamp down on both standing and swearing.
Drinking Eating etc
The Club have opened a Fan Zone which is located outside the South East part of the stadium. The area has entertainment in the form of live bands, large screens etc.. Plus food and drink outlets. It is available to both home and away supporters. It is normally open three hours before kick off, but with a lunchtime kick off I can't see it opening at 9.30am and for one hour after the game has ended. Entry is free.
Most places around the stadium do let away fans in although the rule as normal would be to be respectful and be aware that some places may be livelier than others.
On North Bridge Street, the road heading towards the bridge, there are two big social clubs, The Sunderland Companions Club and The New Democratic Club that will allow in visiting supporters, although you are advised to get their early, as you would expect the beer is cheap in there.
The City Centre is around a ten minute walk away and has loads of pubs again we have had little trouble over the years with Sunderland so all should be ok.
Ground Name: Stadium Of Light
Capacity: 49,000 (all seated)
Address:
Stadium Of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU
Main Telephone Number: 0871 911 1200
Main Fax No: 0191 551 5123
Ticket Office: 0871 911 1973
Ticket Office Fax No: 0191 551 5150
Stadium Tours: 0871 911 1224
Team Nickname: The Black Cats