Away fans welcome in the Hilton next to stadium, also the Colliery Tavern if you want a cheaper pint.

Bit further is the Wheatsheaf, and town is only another ten min walk over bridge. Plenty of bars welcome away fans.

For those travelling by train Newcastle is good for a pint, lots of good pubs within walking distance of the station.

Any tips on parking? First time visiting both the Stadium of Light and the city of Sunderland for me!

From personal experience the Hilton isn’t very good, fantastic location to the ground (2 mins) but the service is diabolical, Colliery tavern will be rammed, best bet imo is the Wheatsheaf (only 5 or so mins walk) Enjoy UTC!

BuryClaret wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 3:36 pm

Any tips on parking? First time visiting both the Stadium of Light and the city of Sunderland for me!

Plenty of on street parking but be aware of restrictions on the streets closest to ground, I know from past experience £30 fine!

First time visit to the SOL for me and my train gets in at 11:26 (only cheap ticket i could get, any other and i was looking at £100 return) so plenty of time for pre match food and drink. Any suggestions for away fans friendly pub that will be showing the 12:30 kick off game on Saturday?

BuryClaret wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 3:36 pm

Any tips on parking? First time visiting both the Stadium of Light and the city of Sunderland for me!

Try the YourParkingSpace app

We’re paying £5 to use somebody’s driveway which is 10min walk away

Herts Clarets wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 4:04 pm

First time visit to the SOL for me and my train gets in at 11:26 (only cheap ticket i could get, any other and i was looking at £100 return) so plenty of time for pre match food and drink. Any suggestions for away fans friendly pub that will be showing the 12:30 kick off game on Saturday?

Sounds like you’re on the same train as us. Will be looking for recommendations for something similar.

BuryClaret wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 3:36 pm

Any tips on parking? First time visiting both the Stadium of Light and the city of Sunderland for me!

No specific tips, but I've driven up a few times and always found parking relatively straightforward.

BuryClaret wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 3:36 pm

Any tips on parking? First time visiting both the Stadium of Light and the city of Sunderland for me!

We used a park and Ride last time we went ... can't give you details as we found it on the day ... all I know is it was next to a retail park and we parked on a road by some offices ...
Just googled it ...

PARK AND RIDE: Fans should use the Park and Ride facility on Wessington Way (A1231). This is easily accessible from the A19 and is clearly signposted. Buses will pick up from the permanent bus stops on Sunderland Enterprise Park while pick-up points from the stadium are to the north on Kier Hardie Way.

ClaretInLeeds wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 4:23 pm

Sounds like you’re on the same train as us. Will be looking for recommendations for something similar.

Grand Central train, first stop York from King's Cross. Will look out for you.

Bosscat wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 4:27 pm

We used a park and Ride last time we went ... can't give you details as we found it on the day ... all I know is it was next to a retail park and we parked on a road by some offices ...
Just googled it ...

PARK AND RIDE: Fans should use the Park and Ride facility on Wessington Way (A1231). This is easily accessible from the A19 and is clearly signposted. Buses will pick up from the permanent bus stops on Sunderland Enterprise Park while pick-up points from the stadium are to the north on Kier Hardie Way.

The park and ride is excellent for getting to the ground, but the queues for the buses to take you back are massive. If you don't mind stretching your legs, it's just as quick to leg it. One long straight road, so no difficulty.

Colburn_Claret wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 5:33 pm

The park and ride is excellent for getting to the ground, but the queues for the buses to take you back are massive. If you don't mind stretching your legs, it's just as quick to leg it. One long straight road, so no difficulty.

Loads of double deckers heading back when we did it no problem really ... but it is 6 years ago

Herts Clarets wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 5:19 pm

Grand Central train, first stop York from King's Cross. Will look out for you.

We are getting on at York

Anyone travelling by train check the metro line make sure it is fine to Sunderland, I think it may be but the line to South Shields is shut for upgrades and wouldn’t want you dependant on a replacement bus.

Bosscat wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 4:27 pm

We used a park and Ride last time we went ... can't give you details as we found it on the day ... all I know is it was next to a retail park and we parked on a road by some offices ...
Just googled it ...

PARK AND RIDE: Fans should use the Park and Ride facility on Wessington Way (A1231). This is easily accessible from the A19 and is clearly signposted. Buses will pick up from the permanent bus stops on Sunderland Enterprise Park while pick-up points from the stadium are to the north on Kier Hardie Way.

It’s the Hylton Riverside retail park make sure you don’t park in it’s car park though head to 1 of the many office car parks that are part of the scheme I will be using it myself it is an excellent service. As above I’d there are big Qs afterwards it might be worth a 10 min walk back rather than waiting it is pretty much a straight road anyway.

CleggHall wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 3:24 pm

For those travelling by train Newcastle is good for a pint, lots of good pubs within walking distance of the station.

That's our plan, get there 11 15 on the train...a couple of hours in Newcastle for a few scoops, then Metro to Sunderland.

Loafs of parking options in city centre and its a really short walk over to the stadium. Obviously it gives you plenty of options for food and pub too. Only real benefit to park and ride is its the quickest way of getting onto the A19 as the centre comes to a standstill with match traffic and takes a good long while to get out. So if time is not a worry, park in centre. If getting back quickly is your priority, use the park and ride.

Colburn_Claret wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 5:33 pm

The park and ride is excellent for getting to the ground, but the queues for the buses to take you back are massive. If you don't mind stretching your legs, it's just as quick to leg it. One long straight road, so no difficulty.

I walked back and got there before some waiting for the bus. Not a bad walk though, flat.

Metro not running south of Heworth to South Hylton on Saturday. Train from Newcastle to Sunderland central are fine.

claret wizard wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 10:14 pm

Metro not running south of Heworth to South Hylton on Saturday. Train from Newcastle to Sunderland central are fine.

That scuppers the piece of advice I was giving. Last time I parked on a street near South Hylton station and got the metro to St Peters. Very handy to get away without having to fight through the traffic. Was crowded coming back to South Hylton but got on a tram no problem.
Seems a bad time to be doing the work on the line through Sunderland when they have a home game.

Ive always parked around 20-30 mins walk from ground on the streets next to Northern Way / Dean Terrace roundabout off the A1290. Bit of a walk but you're straight out and onto the A19 with no queues after the game.

Somethingfishy wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 17, 2022 10:26 pm

That scuppers the piece of advice I was giving. Last time I parked on a street near South Hylton station and got the metro to St Peters. Very handy to get away without having to fight through the traffic. Was crowded coming back to South Hylton but got on a tram no problem.
Seems a bad time to be doing the work on the line through Sunderland when they have a home game.

Not sure they could do anything part of ongoing work to upgrade the lines the line to South Shields has been closed for about 2 weeks now gonna last 12 weeks I think.

I always park at the University, safe, 15 mins walk, easy getaway. SR1 3QR

The Hung Juror wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 18, 2022 8:49 am

I always park at the University, safe, 15 mins walk, easy getaway. SR1 3QR

Is it free parking?

I was going on the train from Carlisle, but a goods train derailed last night and the line is shut between Carlisle and Wetheral, probably for weeks.

There will be a replacement bus service, but it will chaotic so I will get a refund on my train ticket, and drive.

Thanks for all the parking suggestions on this thread. I didn't think I need them, but now I do!

Just to confirm the Metro situation re Trains to Sunderland, they stop at Heworth and from there there is a bus service the 901.

The Network Rail Overground service is running from Newcastle to Sunderland however there is only one train per hour at 40 minutes to the hour
from Central Station and on the half hour on the way back from Sunderland. The station in Sunderland is underground in the shopping centre about 10/15 mins walk from SoL

Anyone familiar with the North East and knows somewhere to take a 4 year old before the game?

Was planning on heading up in the morning and having a bit of a day out with the little lad before going on the game. Open to all suggestions.

CryerBFC wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 21, 2022 4:41 pm

Anyone familiar with the North East and knows somewhere to take a 4 year old before the game?

Was planning on heading up in the morning and having a bit of a day out with the little lad before going on the game. Open to all suggestions.

Roker /Seaburn beach is surprisingly good actually (near to Morrisons). I think I recall an indoor play area. Fair few fancy bars, coffee houses and restaurants also.

CryerBFC wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 21, 2022 4:41 pm

Anyone familiar with the North East and knows somewhere to take a 4 year old before the game?

Was planning on heading up in the morning and having a bit of a day out with the little lad before going on the game. Open to all suggestions.

As per DougCollins roler and seaburn is quite good loads of places to eat it’s pretty wet up here at the minute but if it is dry tomorrow you have the beaches and Roker Park to check out. If it is wet you have the play area across from Mossisons (go bananas I think), don’t expect much with it though it is quite small but for a 4 year old should be okay not been for a number of years so can’t vouch for what it is like inside now.

The city centre I don’t really go too much I’m sure there are things to do my son once went to laser quest in it for example but that doesn’t strike me as something for a 4 year old. A bit further out along the coast road from seaburn if you are driving you have South Shields. It has a fair but not sure if it is open at this time of year.

This is the entertainment at The Wheatsheaf. Looks lively if that is your thing ....and away fans welcomed too by the looks of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo_xATLbMfY

I'm sure I parked down at Roker last time. The locals were a good bunch so I'm looking forward to this.

For anyone going by train, there is a cancellation on the way home.

17.59 train from Newcastle to York has been cancelled, just a heads up for fans who might have booked that train.

How many fans are we taking tomorrow, anyone?

Quicknick wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 21, 2022 9:04 pm

How many fans are we taking tomorrow, anyone?

Think we sold 2000 and then got another 800 allocated. Not sure how many of those we sold.

The Hung Juror wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 18, 2022 8:49 am

I always park at the University, safe, 15 mins walk, easy getaway. SR1 3QR

I think I might go for this option too then!

https://twitter.com/BurnleyFCPolice/sta ... wwdCePyt3A


Almost sold out apparently

Neil wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 21, 2022 9:16 pm

https://twitter.com/BurnleyFCPolice/sta ... wwdCePyt3A


Almost sold out apparently

That's a good effort.
Right, back to bed. It's after half three in Thailand.

STADIUM INFORMATION

Address: Sunderland Stadium of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU

Fan Zone

The Sunderland AFC Fan Zone is located inside the Foundation of Light’s award-winning venue, the Beacon of Light, on matchdays.

Traveling fans are also welcome in the Beacon of Light Fanzone before the game, along with a Football drop-in with Foundation of Light coach (this will be on outside pitches), Food & drink from Fausto Coppa, FIFA 22 on the Xboxes, Visit from Club mascots Samson & Delilah, Music from Spark radio and Countdown to kick off and team news.

Turnstiles

Turnstiles open at 1:30pm, Stadium of Light is now a cashless stadium. Please note, that the Stadium of Light is a smoke-free venue.

Parking information

Parking at the stadium is limited and parking passes are sold out. On matchdays, stadium car parks are closed from five minutes before full time until 30 minutes after the final whistle. Police and local authority parking restrictions, including permit schemes, are in place on more than 60 streets surrounding the stadium and are heavily enforced.

Park and Ride

Fans should use the Park and Ride facility on Wessington Way (A1231). This is easily accessible from the A19 and is clearly signposted. Buses will pick up from the permanent bus stops on Sunderland Enterprise Park while pick-up points from the stadium are to the north on Kier Hardie Way.

Buses run every five minutes before the game from 90 minutes prior to kick-off and regularly after the game until all fans have been transported back to their cars.

Park and walk

Car parking is available from two sites at the University of Sunderland – the A183 (Chester Road) and St Peter’s. Both are clearly signposted. Follow signs for matchday parking.

City centre parking

St Mary’s car park in the city centre is a 5-minute walk to the Stadium of Light. Postcode is SR1 3AH.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

By Car

The stadium is easily accessible from both the A19 and A1 via Wessington Way (A1231).

By Train

Sunderland is the nearest main line station, located 10-15 minutes’ walk away in the city centre (walking directions here). For journey planning and other rail information, visit National Rail.

By Metro

The Tyne and Wear Metro serves the Stadium via both Stadium of Light and St Peter’s stations. After matches, fans 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.

‘Take the Kids for Free’ offer - which is permanent, all day every day, all year round.

By Bus

Bus numbers 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 15 and 16 all stop nearby. The city’s main bus station, Park Lane Interchange, is within walking distance of the stadium.

By Supporter Coaches

The stadium site has space for up to 24 coaches. These must be booked in advance by calling 0371 911 1973.

Road Closures

At this moment in time, there are no planned road closures.

Pubs in the city centre & near the ground

All pubs and restaurants in our city centre are away fan friendly. Recommendations in the city centre are Greens, Street Bar, Victors, Fire Station & The Peacock. Pubs nearer to the stadium recommended are the Colliery Tavern and the Hilton Hotel.

My 9:45am train from Manchester Victoria to Newcastle has been cancelled! Looks like we may be in the car now.

1989_claret wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 22, 2022 7:50 am

My 9:45am train from Manchester Victoria to Newcastle has been cancelled! Looks like we may be in the car now.

I'm guessing you could still get the 9.20 from Manny Rd to York then jump on a Transpennine express train.

You will get a full refund and still able to use their other trains.

Burnley York is the cheaper part of the journey.

Going Rochdale to Leeds then Leeds to Newcastle. Hope our 6:43pm return to Manchester tonight isn’t canceled!

Does anyone recommend any pubs in particular in Sunderland itself?

Tuddybfc wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 22, 2022 9:01 am

Does anyone recommend any pubs in particular in Sunderland itself?

What do you want? Quiet, busy, near the ground, city centre, real ale etc

Tuddybfc wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 22, 2022 9:01 am

Does anyone recommend any pubs in particular in Sunderland itself?

Have a read through the thread.

All pubs are away fan friendly but no particular away fan pub.

Neil wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 22, 2022 9:08 am

What do you want? Quiet, busy, near the ground, city centre, real ale etc

Good real ale would be a bonus yep

If anyone needs a lift back to Burnley, we asked for a 12 seater minibus and they sent a 32, so loads of room if anyone wants to jump on

https://twitter.com/FutureSunlun/status ... wU5hA&s=19
A few reccomended on Twitter from Sunderland fans.