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Sunderland AFC
Stadium of Light
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!
Future
Ground Developments
Kevin
Davis informs me; 'The club have secured planning permission
to add another 7,200 to the Metro FM (South)
Stand, which would take the capacity to 55,000. The club have not
yet confirmed when (if ever) they will go
ahead with this. If the club then proceed after
this to add another tier to the McEwans Stand the the final
capacity would be around 64,000'.
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