Disabled Access Guide for Sunderland AFC Matchdays

Attending a match at the Stadium of Light is a cherished tradition for supporters of Sunderland Association Football Club. The roar of the crowd, the sea of Red and White stripes, and the shared passion for The Lads create an unforgettable experience. Ensuring this experience is accessible and inclusive for all supporters, including those with disabilities, is a fundamental commitment of the club. This comprehensive guide details the facilities, services, and procedures in place to make your matchday as seamless and enjoyable as possible, reflecting the modern, forward-thinking ethos under Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.

Planning Your Visit: Essential Pre-Match Information

Advance planning is key to a smooth matchday. Sunderland AFC strongly recommends that supporters with accessibility requirements contact the club well in advance of the fixture.

Contacting the Disability Liaison Team: The club’s dedicated Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone. They can assist with:
Confirming ticket availability in accessible seating areas.
Arranging a personal assistant ticket, if eligible.
Discussing specific needs, such as pitchside wheelchair positions or amenity seating.
Providing detailed information on your specific access point and facilities.

Ticket Purchase: Accessible seating can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person at the Ticket Office. It is crucial to inform the club of your requirements at the point of sale. For high-profile fixtures like the Wear-Tyne derby, booking as early as possible is advised. Season ticket holders with accessibility needs should ensure their requirements are registered with the club.

Travel and Parking: Limited accessible parking is available at the Stadium of Light and must be booked in advance through the DLO. Drop-off points are located close to the stadium’s accessible entrances. Many local entertainment venues and park-and-ride services also offer accessible options; planning your route using the club’s official travel advice is recommended.

Stadium Access & Seating Arrangements

The Stadium of Light is designed to be fully accessible, with dedicated entrances, seating areas, and viewing platforms.

Accessible Entrances: Clearly signposted accessible entrances are located around the stadium perimeter. Stewards are trained to assist and guide supporters to these points and onwards to their seats. For historical context, while the club’s former home, Roker Park, had its own charm, the modern SOL was built with contemporary accessibility standards at its core.

Wheelchair User Spaces: There are over 250 spaces for wheelchair users, offering clear, unobstructed views of the pitch. These are located in both the upper and lower tiers, including pitchside positions in the North Stand. Each space is accompanied by a personal assistant seat. The club continues to review and improve these facilities as part of its ongoing stadium development.

Amenity and Easy-Access Seating: For supporters with mobility impairments who do not use a wheelchair, there are several hundred amenity seats available. These are wider, have additional legroom, and are easily accessible without steps. Supporters with sensory processing conditions can also request seating in designated, slightly less intense areas of the stadium.

Sensory Room: The Stadium of Light features a dedicated sensory room for supporters with autism spectrum conditions or other sensory sensitivities. This calm, controlled environment provides a live feed of the match with adjustable volume. Booking is essential and must be arranged directly with the Disability Liaison Team.

Matchday Facilities & Services

Once inside the Black Cats home, a range of facilities are available to ensure comfort and convenience.

Accessible Toilets: Over 50 accessible toilets are located throughout the stadium concourses, clearly signposted and fitted with radar keys. The club maintains a strict policy to ensure these are kept for use by those who need them.

Catering and Retail: All kiosks on the stadium concourses are at accessible height. Stewards are available to assist with carrying purchases if required. The Stadium of Light Superstore is fully accessible, and matchday merchandise kiosks around the ground are also designed with accessibility in mind.

Assistance Dogs: Assistance dogs are warmly welcomed at the Sunderland Stadium. Supporters are advised to inform the club in advance so that an appropriate seating location with suitable space can be arranged. Water bowls can be provided upon request.

Hearing Enhancement: An induction loop system is installed at key service points, including the main ticket office and some kiosks. For future fixtures, the club is exploring additional assistive listening technology for seated areas.

Steward Support: The stewarding team at SAFC receives regular disability awareness training. They are your primary point of contact on matchday for any immediate assistance, from finding your seat to navigating the concourses or in the event of an emergency evacuation.

Attending with Specific Requirements

Sunderland AFC recognises that accessibility needs are diverse. Here are some specific provisions:

Visual Impairments: Supporters with visual impairments are entitled to a personal assistant ticket. Guide dogs are permitted, and some commentators note that the passionate atmosphere, whether celebrating a modern EFL Trophy run or remembering the 1973 FA Cup Final, is an integral part of the experience. The club can provide large-print team sheets upon request.

Ambulant Supporters: For those who find stairs or long walks challenging, the amenity seating and accessible entrance routes are crucial. Discussing your specific mobility needs with the DLO when booking ensures the most appropriate seating location is allocated.

Hidden Disabilities: The club supports the Sunflower Lanyard scheme. Wearing a lanyard discreetly indicates to staff that you may need additional support, patience, or a different kind of assistance. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to inclusivity, championed by figures from Jack Ross to current manager Tony Mowbray.

Away Matches and Other Venues

Following The Lads on their travel games requires extra planning.

Away Fixtures: Accessibility provisions at other grounds vary significantly. The Sunderland AFC Disability Liaison Team can liaise with the host club on your behalf to ascertain their facilities and book tickets. It is essential to contact SAFC well before an away match to initiate this process. The Sunderland Echo often publishes practical guides for major away fixtures.

Other Club Venues: The Academy of Light, the club’s state-of-the-art training facility, also hosts events and has accessible provisions. For a deeper dive into the club’s operations and history, explore our other practical guides.

Practical Matchday Tips and Conclusion

To ensure your matchday runs smoothly, consider these final tips:
Arrive Early: Allow plenty of time to navigate to your entrance, avoid queues, and settle in before kick-off. Our matchday timeline guide can help you plan.
Have Details Handy: Keep your ticket, parking permit (if applicable), and any correspondence with the DLO easily accessible.
Communicate: Don’t hesitate to ask a steward for help; they are there to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
Feedback: Sunderland AFC is committed to continuous improvement. Providing feedback on your experience, positive or otherwise, helps the club enhance its services.

From the days of Roker Park to the modern era at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland Association Football Club has been built on its community. Ensuring every member of that community, regardless of physical or sensory requirements, can share in the passion of matchday is not just a duty but a priority. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, the club strives to make you feel welcome. For the most current information and to discuss your specific needs, please contact the Disability Liaison Team directly. We look forward to welcoming you to the Stadium of Light.