Stadium of Light

The Stadium of Light stands on the site of the former Wearmouth Colliery in Sunderland, beside the River Wear. It is the home ground of Sunderland Association Football Club and seats almost 49,000 spectators. A Davy lamp monument marks the entrance, recalling the coal-mining past of the North East. The stadium replaced Roker Park, which could no longer be expanded because it was surrounded by streets. Its simple design leaves space for extra tiers that could raise capacity to 64,000. The ground has hosted Premier League matches, England internationals at several age levels, and women’s fixtures. It has also welcomed major concerts by artists such as Beyoncé, Coldplay and Elton John. Conference suites, the Black Cats Bar and a club shop selling Sunderland merchandise occupy parts of the stadium. The attendance record of 48,353 was set when Liverpool beat Sunderland 1–0 in April 2002. The stadium’s name, chosen by chairman Bob Murray, honours the miners who once worked in darkness. Visitors enter past the Davy lamp statue and find wide concourses leading to four stands. The pitch is surrounded by seating that slopes gently towards the field. Views from the upper tier stretch across the city and along the river. The stadium’s name appears on the Academy of Light training ground and the Beacon of Light centre next door. On match days the ground fills with the colours of Sunderland’s supporters and the sound of their songs.