- Capacity
- 48,095
- Opened
- 1997
- Location
- Sunderland, England
- Competition
- Premier League
What is Stadium of Light?
The Stadium of Light is Sunderland's home ground on the north bank of the River Wear, with about 48,000 seats, one of the largest grounds in England. Built on the site of the old Wearmouth Colliery, it opened in 1997 and is a 5 to 10 minute walk from the Stadium of Light and St Peter's Metro stations.
By Leo Nagano · Fact-checked
Quick facts
- Capacity
- 48,095
- Opened
- 1997
- Club
- Sunderland
- Address
- Sunderland SR5 1SU Open map
Capacity per the 2026–27 season listing; opening year and coordinates from Wikidata; checked 2026-10-21.
Stadium of Light
Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Where should you sit at Stadium of Light?
The Stadium of Light is a bowl with three two-tier stands and a single-tier East Stand, plus filled-in corners on the west side. The North Stand upper tier holds the away fans; the South Stand is a home end. The West Stand, the main stand, has the best views.
Best seats for views
- West Stand upper tier near halfway
Best seats for atmosphere
- North Stand lower tier and the north-east corner
- South Stand
Where do away fans sit?
Away fans sit in the upper tier of the North Stand, behind one goal, with room for up to 3,000. It is a long climb up the stairs. For big cup ties the lower tier can be added.
| West Stand | West | Main stand, two tiers with the dugouts and executive boxes. |
| North Stand | North | Two tiers; away fans are in the upper tier. |
| South Stand | South | Two tiers behind the south goal; home fans. |
| East Stand | East | Single tier along the side, close to the pitch. |
How do you get to Stadium of Light?
The Tyne and Wear Metro serves the stadium from Newcastle and central Sunderland. Stadium of Light and St Peter's stations are both 5 to 10 minutes' walk. Sunderland main-line station is about 20 minutes on foot over the Wearmouth Bridge.
Stadium of Light Metro station
About 10 minutes' walk; north of the ground.
St Peter's Metro station
About 5 to 10 minutes' walk, south of the river.
Sunderland station
About 20 minutes' walk over the Wearmouth Bridge. Also on the Metro.
- From the city centre
- About 20 minutes on foot from Sunderland city centre, or one Metro stop.
- From the airport
- From Newcastle Airport, take the Metro green line direct to Stadium of Light (about 1 hour).
- Parking
- Official parking at the stadium is limited. Pay car parks are available in the city centre and at the Sheepfolds.
Can you tour Stadium of Light?
- Price:
- £20 adult
Sunderland runs stadium tours on selected dates, released month by month around fixtures. Tours visit the dressing rooms, tunnel and pitchside.
How do you get tickets for Stadium of Light?
Sunderland's return to the Premier League has driven strong demand, with tickets sold to season ticket holders and members first.
- Membership gives priority access to match tickets.
- Some matches reach general sale.
- Season ticket holders can resell through the official exchange.
Buy from the club or its official resale exchange. Reselling football tickets without the club's permission is a criminal offence in England and Wales.
Where to stay and eat near Stadium of Light
Where to stay
Sunderland city centre and the seafront at Roker and Seaburn have hotels within 10 to 20 minutes. Many visitors stay in Newcastle and take the Metro.
See hotels near Stadium of LightFood and drink
The Sheepfolds area next to the stadium has bars and food stalls. City centre pubs are a short walk across the river.
Area: Monkwearmouth, Sheepfolds and Sunderland city centre
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Frequently asked questions about Stadium of Light
What is the capacity of the Stadium of Light?
The Stadium of Light, home of Sunderland, has a capacity of about 48,000, one of the largest grounds in England.
Where do away fans sit at the Stadium of Light?
Away fans at the Stadium of Light sit in the upper tier of the North Stand, with a Premier League allocation of up to 3,000.
What is the nearest Metro station to the Stadium of Light?
St Peter's and Stadium of Light Metro stations are both 5 to 10 minutes' walk away.
Sources
- Sunderland AFC
- Nexus: Tyne and Wear Metro
- Swansea City away guide: Sunderland
- Football Ground Guide: Stadium of Light tour
- Capacity, opening year and coordinates: Wikidata Q31969
Been to Stadium of Light?
Stamp it in your stadium passport. You can add the date and match later, even for visits years ago.
