1st Cloud Arena

Mariners Park is currently known as the 1^st Cloud Arena for sponsorship reasons. South Shields’ home stadium has undergone a series of renovations in recent years. The redevelopment of the main stand was finished in the summer of 2022 and includes a two-tiered structure that can hold up to 900 fans. As well as this, the redevelopment installed executive boxes, a new club shop, a bar, and a boardroom.

The work on the main stand carried over to the other stands, including terraced areas behind both goals. On one side is the ‘Sima Shed’, which has a segregation split as it holds home and away supporters. At the other end is a much smaller stand for home fans that is covered.

Opposite the main stand is a two-tiered stand called ‘The Durata Stand’, which has a small marquee area for drinking next to it. This site also includes the Alum Ale House bar, which has an outside balcony and is extremely popular on matchdays.

Since the renovations began in 2021, the pitch has been relayed, and a pitchside perimeter fence has been installed.

As mentioned above, the away fans at the 1^st Cloud Arena are located in the ‘Sima Shed’ next to the most vocal South Shields supporters. With investment on and off the pitch, South Shields has become an attractive away day for supporters in recent times. The stadium is easily accessible via public transport, and there are plenty of places to eat and drink near the ground.

For fans that don’t want to drink at the ground and sample the new hospitality area in the main stand, there are plenty of pubs near the ground. These options include:

• Alum Ale House – Ferry St, South Shields NE33 1JR
• Sad Dancer – 2 Sea Rd, South Shields NE33 2LD
• Stags Head – 45 Fowler St, South Shields NE33 1NS

Another notable pub near 1st Cloud Arena is the clubhouse, which, although a great spot for joining up, is quite some distance from the venue. You will walk for at least one hour to get to the clubhouse.

It takes 12 to 18 minutes to drive or cycle to the venue from the clubhouse.

Tam’s Bar is only 0.2 miles away from the venue, while Crown & Anchor on 29 Chapel Road is approximately 0.8 miles away.

• New main stand opened in 2022
• Executive boxes, club shop, bar, and boardroom included in main stand redevelopment
• Covered terraces behind both goals
• Pitch relayed and pitchside perimeter fence installed
• New food kiosk opened in 2024

South Shields advise using the two parking areas near the ground. Parking is available on Shaftesbury Avenue, but it can get busy, especially if you arrive late to the game. Another option is an overflow car park at the Barbour store.

The ground is located on Shaftesbury Avenue and has a postcode of NE32 3UP. If you put this in your Sat Nav, you shouldn’t have trouble finding the stadium.

It is a short walk to the stadium from the Bede Metro station. From Newcastle Central Station, take the Metro towards South Shields and get off at the Bede stop. If you are coming from Sunderland train station, head toward Newcastle before getting off at Pelaw station. From here, cross the platform and take the train towards South Shields, and get off at Bede.

At Bede station, walk down the stairs and turn right if you have departed the train going towards South Shields, or turn left if you have departed the train in the direction of Newcastle. At the next junction, turn right; from here it is a short walk along Shaftesbury Avenue, where the ground is located.

Standing

• Adult Standing – £14.00 (Online Discount)
• Concession Standing £9.00 (Online Discount)
• Child 13-16 Standing £5.00
• Child 12 &  Under Standing £3.00

Durata Stand Seating

• Adult – £16.00 (Online Discount)
• Concession – £11.00 (Online Discount)
• Child 13-16 – £7.00
• Child 12 & Under – £5.00

Rocket Stand Seating

• Adult – £16.00 – £17.00 (Online Discount)
• Concession – £11.00 – £12.00 (Online Discount)
• Child 13-16 – £7.00 – £8.00
• Child 12 & Under – £5.00 – £6.00

Official Matchday Programme £3 – Voted the Pitchin In Northern Premier League’s programme of the year in the Soccer Club Swap Shop Programme Awards in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.

North Shields and Gateshead F.C.

South Shields fixture list

Record Attendance

4,000 vs Sunderland

Pre-season friendly, 2023/24

We’ve arrived at the 1st Cloud Arena 👋#SAFC pic.twitter.com/KQZqG6Q0FN

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 8, 2023

Average Attendances

• 2023/24 – 2,162 – National League North
• 2022/23 – 2,146 – Pitchin In Northern Premier League

Disabled supporters qualify for concessionary rates for South Shields home matches. A carer ticket is included for free unless the carer requires a seat. In this instance, according to the club website, a £46 payment is required.

Offical website: https://www.southshieldsfc.co.uk/

South Shields fansite: https://upthemariners.com/