General Info - Sunderland (a)

[ClaretTony]

For any info ahead of the game at Sunderland other than tickets and coach travel.

Links for these threads along with ticket info and Accy Clarets will be in the sticky post.

[burnmark]

Went in quite a few bars/pubs last time in the town centre without any bother. All friendly enough.

Walk back to the train station was a little different though!

[Jamesy]

If travelling by train to Newcastle. The Metro takes you to the Stadium of Light and is just under half an hour journey time.
Can’t remember how much I paid last time but it was cheap.

[wilks_bfc]

If travelling by train to Newcastle. The Metro takes you to the Stadium of Light and is just under half an hour journey time.
Can’t remember how much I paid last time but it was cheap.

It is good but not advisable if you want a quick getaway afterwards

[burnley007]

I'll be in the Weatherspoons on the main St in the city centre. Always plenty of Claret shirts in there pre match

[SalouClaret]

Went in quite a few bars/pubs last time in the town centre without any bother. All friendly enough.

Walk back to the train station was a little different though!

We had the same experience. Some gobshite 15/16 year old tried starting a fight and actually threw a punch at me. Luckily he missed, and then a similarly 15/16 year old Burnley gobshite dropped him. Can't be bothered with the hassle this year.

[ClaretTony]

If travelling by train to Newcastle. The Metro takes you to the Stadium of Light and is just under half an hour journey time.
Can’t remember how much I paid last time but it was cheap.

I might be mistaken with this but isn't the next stop on the Metro (St. Peter's) closer than the Stadium of Light stop?

[Somethingfishy]

I might be mistaken with this but isn't the next stop on the Metro (St. Peter's) closer than the Stadium of Light stop?

It is indeed. Right next to the river.
I used the Metro the time before last. Parked up near the last station on the line (South Hylton) which isn't far off the A19 south of the city. It was busy on the station after but trains are regular and heading back that way seemed quieter than towards Newcastle.

[ClaretTony]

It is indeed. Right next to the river.
I used the Metro the time before last. Parked up near the last station on the line (South Hylton) which isn't far off the A19 south of the city. It was busy on the station after but trains are regular and heading back that way seemed quieter than towards Newcastle.

We are going by car but it might be worth considering using the Metro from South Hylton, parking and then getting away after the game is not the best.

[JarrowClaret]

We are going by car but it might be worth considering using the Metro from South Hylton, parking and then getting away after the game is not the best.

I live close to Sunderland so isn’t a hassle to me but I wouldn’t bother with the Metro at all just use the park and ride I find it much easier it drops you off and picks you up outside the stadium, mind you I hate the metro so maybe I am biased.

For heading home I imagine all the routes out will be the same or similar but there is a junction on the A19 further south it is the A183 if you head over the Northern Spire Bridge (the new one) and turn right towards the Pallion center as you get over the bridge (at the traffic lights). Follow the road it is basically straight on up to the A183 although there are a number of roundabouts so might need a bit of google map action to decide what is and isn’t straight on. I know wessington way will be jam packed as ever I have never been the pallion way on a match day (I go North) but it may be worth looking into.

[ClaretTony]

I know wessington way will be jam packed as ever

That's always a problem

[Leisure]

The Stadium of Light is easily accessible by road and public transport, making finding us simple.
Our address is:

Sunderland Stadium of Light
Sunderland
SR5 1SU (Google Map below)

If you’re having any issues, email us on enquiries@safc.com or call 0371 911 1973.
>> Download a 3D plan of the Stadium of Light site

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.

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.


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.

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

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

[ClaretTony]

Just a reminder that you are not allowed to take money into the stadium (notes ok but not coins). Any you have will be confiscated and given to a charity.

This is a result of our last visit two years ago.

[CleggHall]

Missed kick off last time due to long hold-up at turnstiles while sniffer dogs got to work. Not a very welcoming stadium.

[Raconteur]

Just a reminder that you are not allowed to take money into the stadium (notes ok but not coins). Any you have will be confiscated and given to a charity.

This is a result of our last visit two years ago.

Burnley Police have released the following

[jrgbfc]

Was a nightmare getting in last time.

[Bordeauxclaret]

Is it legal to take cash from people??

[aggi]

Is it legal to take cash from people??

It's probably legal to not let them in if they don't comply.

Seems like huge overkill though (although this is a sport where you're not allowed bottle tops so that's nothing new).

[GetIntoEm]

Ridiculous rules, I have a vape and a battery pack. I've no intention of doing something I shouldn't with it. Plus they ain't taking cash off people surely

[ClaretTony]

Is it legal to take cash from people??

No but they have every right to refuse entry

[Bordeauxclaret]

They’ll be taking Car Keys next.

[RickyBobby]

Taking being a cashless stadium to the extreme!

I have lost all respect for Sunderland as a club. If they didn’t put away fans in the gods above home fans this wouldn’t be an issue anyone. Taking money off people or else they won’t be allowed to enter may be legally but it is morally f-ed.
Who is taking the money? If it is the police using sniffer dogs then that can’t be legal as surely the police aren’t allowed to confiscate things that aren’t illegal? Are stewards searching inside wallets and purses? Is that legal? Can they open up your wallet? The bosses at Sunderland seemed messed up in the head. This is beyond a joke. It is disgusting when you really think about it.
I certainly won’t be visiting Sunderland anytime soon. I don’t want to be treated like a criminal for having a 5p coin in my wallet.

[GetIntoEm]

Unfortunately they'll just say they won't admit you if you refuse to be searched. It's private property. Can make their own rules.

We will roll over and take it, like the good British folk we are.

[ClaretTony]

Taking being a cashless stadium to the extreme!

I have lost all respect for Sunderland as a club. If they didn’t put away fans in the gods above home fans this wouldn’t be an issue anyone. Taking money off people or else they won’t be allowed to enter may be legally but it is morally f-ed.
Who is taking the money? If it is the police using sniffer dogs then that can’t be legal as surely the police aren’t allowed to confiscate things that aren’t illegal? Are stewards searching inside wallets and purses? Is that legal? Can they open up your wallet? The bosses at Sunderland seemed messed up in the head. This is beyond a joke. It is disgusting when you really think about it.
I certainly won’t be visiting Sunderland anytime soon. I don’t want to be treated like a criminal for having a 5p coin in my wallet.

Any money taken goes to a charity of Burnley FC’s choosing. They brought this in a week after our last visit with the incidents at their home games against Coventry and us the reason. You might recall that on our last visit a young girl required hospital treatment having been hit with a vape thrown from the away end.

All well and good blaming them for putting us in the Gods. Might not the issue be those throwing coins and vapes?

[JarrowClaret]

Just a reminder that you are not allowed to take money into the stadium (notes ok but not coins). Any you have will be confiscated and given to a charity.

This is a result of our last visit two years ago.

It was the same the last time we went for coins I remember emptying my pocket, but I guess they added vapes as a result of what happened.

[criminalclaret]

All well and good blaming them for putting us in the Gods. Might not the issue be those throwing coins and vapes?

I came here to say just that. Some of the people outraged at Sunderland for these measures, conveniently forgetting it was one of our knuckle-daggers that let to this implementation in the first place.

As usual, one braindead "b!@lend" spoils it for the others 3000. Football eh?

[Quickenthetempo]

It was Coventry that threw coins and had them banned.

It was a Burnley fan who threw a vape.

[ClaretTony]

It was Coventry that threw coins and had them banned.

It was a Burnley fan who threw a vape.

That's correct but the banning of both came in the week after the Burnley game.

[criminalclaret]

It was Coventry that threw coins and had them banned.

It was a Burnley fan who threw a vape.

"fan" is the insult to majority of actual fans. There are far better adjectives.

[Quickenthetempo]

"fan" is the insult to majority of actual fans. There are far better adjectives.

We don't get to pick and choose who is a fan of our club.
Whatever their behaviour.

[JR1882]

Always a few clarets at Chester-le-street for these north east games. Few good venues there & a short drive in.

[Jjjack]

Anybody know where's best to stick a motorbike? Thinking of just parking in the multistory over the bridge but wondering if I can get it any closer.

[wilks_bfc]

Anybody know where's best to stick a motorbike? Thinking of just parking in the multistory over the bridge but wondering if I can get it any closer.

We’re parking on Tescos
£5.50 via YourParkingSpace

[JarrowClaret]

Anybody know where's best to stick a motorbike? Thinking of just parking in the multistory over the bridge but wondering if I can get it any closer.

Park and ride for me it is actually in walking distance anyway and is free, probably 10-20 minute walk away from the ground as well if you don’t fancy the bus ride.

[Jjjack]

We’re parking on Tescos
£5.50 via YourParkingSpace

It's sold out has the Tescos parking unfortunately.

[ClaretTony]

It is indeed. Right next to the river.
I used the Metro the time before last. Parked up near the last station on the line (South Hylton) which isn't far off the A19 south of the city. It was busy on the station after but trains are regular and heading back that way seemed quieter than towards Newcastle.

Thanks for this suggestion. It worked perfectly for us. We were back at the car by 5:35.