One of the best football stadiums in the country (Stadium of Light (Sunderland FC))

Member Name: Beanie8844

Product:	Stadium of Light (Sunderland FC)
Date:	05/09/08 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: great atmosphere, large capacity, good views, good transport links

Disadvantages: none really

Introduction:
The 'Stadium of Light' is the home of Sunderland Football Club who play in the English Premier League. The stadium opened in 1997 and replaced their old home 'Roker Park' where they had played for 99 years. The ground is magnificent, and with a capacity of 49,000 (all seated) is the fourth largest in English football. The stadium got the seal of approval from the football association when two full England international matches were held there a few years ago.

The Construction of the Stadium:
The stadium was built by Ballast Wiltshire plc - the same company responsible for the Amsterdam Arena, the football stadium in which Ajax play their home games. Originally the design was to build a 42,000 capacity arena, which they did, not looking too dissimilar to Middlesbrough's Riverside ground (don't think the Sunderland fans would like me saying that!). However, with the success of the team the stadium grew and was increased in size to the 49,000 that it is today - making the overall cost of construction £27,000,000; not bad considering how nice it is. If the club chooses to they can increase the capacity again up to 64,000 - it was built in such a way as to allow for this, in the same way that Readings Madeski Stadium is. As of yet however Niall Quinn the Sunderland chairman has no plans for expansion, the club wants to establish itself back in the premier league before they undertake more redevelopment.

So what's the stadium actually like?
The internal structure is of an all-round design like Manchester United's Old Trafford, but consists of four stands. Two of the stands are two-tiered and two are three tiered. It is an amazing looking ground with plenty of character about it. The North Stand has 'Ha'Way the Lads' written on the seats in white, whilst the club emblem is on the East Stand. It is not just the stadium which is easy on the eye, the quality of the pitch is quite astonishing, like a bowling green! It is also one of the larger pitches in the division measuring 105 by 68 metres.
Away fans are usually housed on the west side of the South Stand with room for approximately 3000 supporters, although this may be different for certain matches. The facilities and views of the playing area from here are excellent.

How did the stadium get its name?
The name 'The Stadium of Light' is in reference to the fact that the stadium is located on the site of the old Wearmouth Colliery (coal mine), which closed in 1994. To mark this a giant statue of a Davy Lamp is located in front of the main box office and behind the west stand there is a large red wheel, an emblem of the lifts which used to take the miners down to the mine itself.

My experience of the stadium:
I have been to the stadium for an away game with the team I support Millwall and had a fantastic day. We had to get the train up which took four hours, but when we arrived at Newcastle central there was a direct metro line which takes you to the stadium of light metro station - only a five minute walk away from the ground. We arrived early because it was a ground I was keen to see and had only recently been built, it didn't disappoint. I have been to many grounds up and down the country and for teams in all different divisions, but this ground had a unique feel of something special, it seemed to have so much character to it. Once inside the view was great and looking around you could really see what a great arena it is to watch live football. It is of a very modern design and completely all seating, there are also no obstructed views like you get at some grounds with huge pillars which come down from the roof to the floor of the stand like at White Hart Lane or Selhurst Park. Another nice feature of the ground is that the pitch is sunk down slightly, so it appears larger when you get inside giving it the wow factor! This is similar to many of the European stadiums.

What are the supporters like?
The fans of Sunderland are really passionate about their club and are extremely vocal; I think I'm correct in saying that the stadium of Light is officially the noisiest stadium in the country. It is a great atmosphere and a treasure to watch a game in such a setting.

Transport to and from the ground:
The stadium has two metro stations, St Peters and The Stadium of Light. These run frequently and take you north to Newcastle Central or south if you want to go that way. There is also a park and ride scheme, but I'm not sure of the details on this.

Worth visiting and would I return?
If Millwall ever got to play Sunderland again I would definitely go back, especially because when I visited the capacity was 42,000 - it ahs since been increased by a further 7,000 as I mentioned earlier. Also, if England were to play another International there which they may do now Sunderland are back in the premiership I'd go.

Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy the stadium if you ever have the privilege to go to a game.

Summary: fantastic football stadium - well worth visiting!