SUNDERLAND are introducing safe-standing areas to the Stadium of Light as part of a multi-million pound investment programme to improve the club’s home stadium.
As well as introducing two separate areas of safe-standing, the club are also investing in a new PA system and floodlighting system and will be completely relaying the Stadium of Light pitch this summer. They will also be overhauling the undersoil heating system at the stadium.
The package of improvements is the biggest investment into Sunderland’s home stadium for more than two decades, and is accompanied by a partnership with Sunderland City Council that will see the Stadium of Light become the first 5G-enabled football stadium in the UK by 2025.
“Today, we’re delighted to announce that we are continuing a significant period of investment to develop the Stadium of Light, with the next phase set to complete before the start of the new season,” said Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. “These upgrades signify a dramatic shift in our approach to matchday experience and each development will bring lasting benefits to our loyal supporters.
“The improvements we are making will enhance matchday now and in the future, and we can’t wait to experience them side by side with our fans when we return to the Stadium of Light for the new season.”
The introduction of safe-standing areas is a response to a consultation programme that saw supporters call for the opportunity to stand at Sunderland home games.
READ MORE:
- Dan Neil reveals 'big dynamic shift' at Sunderland as experienced heads leave
- Huge Darlington boost as Sunderland make Matty Young loan decision and tell of delight
Two separate safe-standing areas will be created, replacing 2,000 seats in the Roker End at the Stadium of Light and 1,000 seats in the North Stand Upper area of the ground.
A Sunderland statement said: “The improvements will help build atmosphere and reinforce the impact of the Roker End as our iconic home stand, whilst also creating safer environment for our fans.”
The introduction of a new PA system was famously discussed during an episode of the Netflix series Sunderland Til I Die when former co-owner, Charlie Methven, was looking to improve the pre-match atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.
It will finally happen this summer, along with the instillation of a new floodlighting system that the club claims will “unlock a wealth of opportunities to enhance the in-stadium experience of supporters of all ages.”
The installation of a new playing surface could be the most significant development in terms of improving Sunderland’s fortunes on the pitch, with the club confident this summer’s work will be completed in time for the start of next season.
Sunderland have also confirmed they intend to announce a new ‘technical kit partner’ and ‘retail partner’ next month.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here