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Sunderland AFC
by NIGHTMARE Fri 2 Apr - 20:25:37
Directions & Car Parking
Exit the A1 at Junction 62, the Durham/Sunderland exit and take the A690 towards Sunderland. After about eight miles, you will reach a roundabout, at which turn left onto the A19, signposted for the Tyne Tunnel. Stay in the left hand lane and take the second slip road towards Sunderland (signposted Stadium Of Light, A1231 Sunderland). This takes you onto a bridge crossing over the River Wear. Turn right onto the A1231 following the signs for Sunderland. Go straight over four roundabouts into Sunderland.
Then go through two sets of traffic lights (keeping in the left hand lane at the second set, going straight on towards Roker rather than the city centre) and you will see the Stadium car park on your right, about a mile after the traffic lights. However there is only limited parking at the ground, so alternatively, you can park in the city centre and walk to the ground (about 10-15 minutes). The traffic for a couple of miles around the ground was solid when I went so allow plenty of time for your journey.
There is also a 'Park & Ride' scheme in operation on matchdays, free for both home and away supporters. This is situated at Sunderland Enterprise Park, which is well signposted just off the A1231. Buses run every five minutes, for 90 minutes before kick off and continue after the game until everyone has gone.
By Train and Metro
Sunderland train station in the city centre is walkable from the stadium (around 15 minutes). 'You will exit the station opposite Greggs. Turn right out of the station heading up towards a JJB Sports store and walk through the gap between JJB and a nail bar to the right of JJB. Keep walking straight ahead and within 100m you will see the Stadium Of Light rising up in front of you over the Wearmouth Bridge'. Simply cross the bridge, and turn left into Millennium Way, opposite the now closed Wheatsheaf pub. The away turnstiles are located on the side of the ground which is straight ahead.
"The Metro stations called the 'Stadium of Light' and 'St. Peters' both serve the stadium. The metro provides regular and rapid transport from both Newcastle and the South of Sunderland. Both stations are only a few minutes walk from the stadium, although away supporters should alight at St Peters Station as that is closer to their entrance. This provides an alternative to the regular rail services. Please note though that after the game the Stadium of Light metro station only operates Northbound (i.e. towards Newcastle) and St Peters metro station only operates Southbound (i.e. towards Sunderland centre).
Where To Drink
There are bars inside the ground, however they get really crowded. I would recommend the William Jameson (Wetherspoons pub) in the centre of town for a drink before or after the game, as it has a great atmosphere.
The Ground
The stadium was opened in 1997, after the Club left their former home of Roker Park where they had played for 99 years. The stadium is totally enclosed and is truly magnificent. I would say that it is one of the best stadiums in England. It is composed of two three tiered stands (at one end and one side of the pitch), whilst the others are two tiered. Unfortunately, sitting at the back of the highest tiers means a limited view of the majority of the stadium, hence the feeling of being a bit cut off. The West Stand also has a row of executive boxes (which you can sit outside if you wish). There is a large electronic scoreboard at either end. You really have to experience not only the stadium but also the occasion that is Sunderland to believe it. Away fans are housed at one end of the stadium, in the two tiered Metro FM (South) Stand.
Currently, with half the stadium being larger than the other, it looks a little imbalanced from the away end. However, looking at the larger stands, one feels that if the Club added a tier to the remaining sides an even more remarkable stadium would emerge.
Outside the stadium there are some reminders of the former Monkwearmouth Colliery, on the site of which the stadium was built. Behind the West Stand there is a large red wheel, an emblem of the lifts that used to take the miners down to the mines. Also outside one corner of the stadium is a large miners lamp. If you feel a little mischievous, then ask the nearest Sunderland fan whether it is a Geordie Lamp. Don't worry you won't get any physical abuse, just a long lecture that the lamp is in fact a Davy lamp!
The stadium was voted as the 'Best Away Ground' in the Football League Awards in 2007
Away fans
located in the South Stand at one end of the stadium, where around 3,000 fans can be housed. The facilities and views of the playing action from this stand are excellent. On the food and drink front, then the club offer; Fish & Chips (£5.50), Various Pies (£2.50) including the Chicken Balti Pie, Pizza Pods (£2.50), Cornish Pasties (£2), Jumbo Sausage Rolls (£2). Alcohol is available in the form of Fosters (£3.10), Strongbow (£3.10) and John Smiths (£2.90). The Club also offer 2 Pies & 2 Pints for £10
Exit the A1 at Junction 62, the Durham/Sunderland exit and take the A690 towards Sunderland. After about eight miles, you will reach a roundabout, at which turn left onto the A19, signposted for the Tyne Tunnel. Stay in the left hand lane and take the second slip road towards Sunderland (signposted Stadium Of Light, A1231 Sunderland). This takes you onto a bridge crossing over the River Wear. Turn right onto the A1231 following the signs for Sunderland. Go straight over four roundabouts into Sunderland.
Then go through two sets of traffic lights (keeping in the left hand lane at the second set, going straight on towards Roker rather than the city centre) and you will see the Stadium car park on your right, about a mile after the traffic lights. However there is only limited parking at the ground, so alternatively, you can park in the city centre and walk to the ground (about 10-15 minutes). The traffic for a couple of miles around the ground was solid when I went so allow plenty of time for your journey.
There is also a 'Park & Ride' scheme in operation on matchdays, free for both home and away supporters. This is situated at Sunderland Enterprise Park, which is well signposted just off the A1231. Buses run every five minutes, for 90 minutes before kick off and continue after the game until everyone has gone.
By Train and Metro
Sunderland train station in the city centre is walkable from the stadium (around 15 minutes). 'You will exit the station opposite Greggs. Turn right out of the station heading up towards a JJB Sports store and walk through the gap between JJB and a nail bar to the right of JJB. Keep walking straight ahead and within 100m you will see the Stadium Of Light rising up in front of you over the Wearmouth Bridge'. Simply cross the bridge, and turn left into Millennium Way, opposite the now closed Wheatsheaf pub. The away turnstiles are located on the side of the ground which is straight ahead.
"The Metro stations called the 'Stadium of Light' and 'St. Peters' both serve the stadium. The metro provides regular and rapid transport from both Newcastle and the South of Sunderland. Both stations are only a few minutes walk from the stadium, although away supporters should alight at St Peters Station as that is closer to their entrance. This provides an alternative to the regular rail services. Please note though that after the game the Stadium of Light metro station only operates Northbound (i.e. towards Newcastle) and St Peters metro station only operates Southbound (i.e. towards Sunderland centre).
Where To Drink
There are bars inside the ground, however they get really crowded. I would recommend the William Jameson (Wetherspoons pub) in the centre of town for a drink before or after the game, as it has a great atmosphere.
The Ground
The stadium was opened in 1997, after the Club left their former home of Roker Park where they had played for 99 years. The stadium is totally enclosed and is truly magnificent. I would say that it is one of the best stadiums in England. It is composed of two three tiered stands (at one end and one side of the pitch), whilst the others are two tiered. Unfortunately, sitting at the back of the highest tiers means a limited view of the majority of the stadium, hence the feeling of being a bit cut off. The West Stand also has a row of executive boxes (which you can sit outside if you wish). There is a large electronic scoreboard at either end. You really have to experience not only the stadium but also the occasion that is Sunderland to believe it. Away fans are housed at one end of the stadium, in the two tiered Metro FM (South) Stand.
Currently, with half the stadium being larger than the other, it looks a little imbalanced from the away end. However, looking at the larger stands, one feels that if the Club added a tier to the remaining sides an even more remarkable stadium would emerge.
Outside the stadium there are some reminders of the former Monkwearmouth Colliery, on the site of which the stadium was built. Behind the West Stand there is a large red wheel, an emblem of the lifts that used to take the miners down to the mines. Also outside one corner of the stadium is a large miners lamp. If you feel a little mischievous, then ask the nearest Sunderland fan whether it is a Geordie Lamp. Don't worry you won't get any physical abuse, just a long lecture that the lamp is in fact a Davy lamp!
The stadium was voted as the 'Best Away Ground' in the Football League Awards in 2007
Away fans
located in the South Stand at one end of the stadium, where around 3,000 fans can be housed. The facilities and views of the playing action from this stand are excellent. On the food and drink front, then the club offer; Fish & Chips (£5.50), Various Pies (£2.50) including the Chicken Balti Pie, Pizza Pods (£2.50), Cornish Pasties (£2), Jumbo Sausage Rolls (£2). Alcohol is available in the form of Fosters (£3.10), Strongbow (£3.10) and John Smiths (£2.90). The Club also offer 2 Pies & 2 Pints for £10
NIGHTMARE- MODERATOR
- Posts : 3671
Join date : 2009-09-06
Age : 40
Location : Rawmarsh
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