Toon Army Can Expect 'Lively' Welcome At Mackemland!
VISITING SUPPORTERS
Away fans are located in the South Stand at one end of the stadium, where around 3,000 fans can be housed, but they haven't given us the full allocation ... because allegedly ... we "stand during the game".
The facilities and views of the playing action from this stand are excellent.
PUBS
You don't need me to tell you, drinking in Sunderland before a derby game is dodgy! But, no colours and keep yer head down and there's no reason why you can't have a jar.
The bars in the town: William Jameson (Wetherspoons pub) in the centre of town, or there is Yates's bar opposite Wetherspoons. Idols on High Street West, in the city centre, is like Idols in Toon. Scantily clad barmaids and dancers. Away fans are welcome normally, but not on derby day.
'The Albion pub, on Victor Street, off Roker Avenue, is a five minute walk from the ground, with some parking nearby.
There are two social clubs - The Sunderland Companions club, and the Democratic Club, which both get very busy.
BY CAR
Exit the A1 at Junction 62, the Durham/Sunderland exit and take the A690 towards Sunderland. After about eight miles, you will reach a roundabout, at which turn left onto the A19, signposted for the Tyne Tunnel. Stay in the left hand lane and take the second slip road towards Sunderland (signposted Stadium Of Light, A1231 Sunderland). This takes you onto a bridge crossing over the River Wear. Turn right onto the A1231 following the signs for Sunderland. Go straight over four roundabouts into Sunderland.
Then go through two sets of traffic lights (keeping in the left hand lane at the second set, going straight on towards Roker rather than the city centre) and you will see the Stadium car park on your right, about a mile after the traffic lights.
However there is only limited parking at the ground, so alternatively, you can park in the city centre and walk to the ground (about 10-15 minutes).
The traffic for a couple of miles around the ground was solid when I went so allow plenty of time for your journey.
There is also a 'Park & Ride' scheme in operation on matchdays. This is situated at Sunderland Enterprise Park, which is well signposted just off the A1231. Buses run every five minutes, for 90 minutes before kick off and continue after the game until everyone has gone.
Sunderland train station in the city centre is walkable from the stadium (around 15 minutes).
From the train station, exit between W.H.Smith and the bakery. Turn left and walk down "High St West" and then turn left again and walk up Fawcett St to the Wear Bridge. From here you can see stadium as it is on raised ground. Simply cross the bridge, and turn left into Millennium Way, opposite the Wheatsheaf pub (home fans only). The away turnstiles are located on the side of the ground which is straight ahead".
TRAIN/METRO
Sunderland train station in the city centre is walkable from the stadium (around 15 minutes).
From the train station, exit between W.H.Smith and the bakery. Turn left and walk down "High St West" and then turn left again and walk up Fawcett St to the Wear Bridge. From here you can see stadium as it is on raised ground. Simply cross the bridge, and turn left into Millennium Way, opposite the Wheatsheaf pub (home fans only). The away turnstiles are located on the side of the ground which is straight ahead".
The Metro stations called the 'Stadium of Light' and 'St. Peters' both serve the stadium, but St Peters will be closed.