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A visit to the Stadium of Light offers one of the most spacious and modern matchday experiences in English football.
Home to Sunderland AFC, the stadium combines a large-capacity bowl design with solid facilities, strong accessibility provisions, and a welcoming atmosphere for both home and away supporters.
Whether you're attending your first match or are a regular visitor, FootballGroundGuide breaks down everything you need to know about facilities at the Stadium of Light in 2026.
Stadium of Light Turnstiles, Entry and Security Access
Turnstiles at the Stadium of Light typically open around 90 minutes before kick-off for all supporters.
Entry is straightforward thanks to the stadium’s bowl design, with clearly marked turnstiles positioned around each stand:
- West, East and South Stands: Home supporter access depending on ticket location
- North Stand Upper (turnstiles 69–74): Away supporter entrance
Supporters can expect:
- Electronic ticket scanning at turnstiles
- Bag checks and standard matchday security procedures
- Stewards are positioned throughout the stadium exterior to assist
The wide external concourses help reduce congestion, but arriving early is still recommended, especially for bigger fixtures.
Food and Drink at Stadium of Light: Options, Quality and Prices
Food and drink options inside the Stadium of Light are consistent with modern stadium expectations, offering a mix of quick, filling matchday staples.
Typical offerings include:
- Pies
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- Snacks and confectionery
- Soft drinks and hot beverages
- Alcoholic drinks
Prices are relatively reasonable compared to many stadiums:
- Hot food (pies, burgers, hot dogs) – starting from around £3.50
- Pints – starting from approximately £4.10
While the selection of beers is fairly limited, the overall value is considered good, particularly for fans looking for affordable matchday food.
Kiosks are located throughout all concourses, making it easy to grab food before kick-off or at half-time.
Stadium of Light Concourse Areas, Bars and Matchday Facilities
The Stadium of Light features wide, modern concourses, particularly in the two-tiered West and East Stands.
Across the stadium, supporters will find:
- Multiple food kiosks and bars
- Large concourse areas with good crowd flow
- Screens showing pre-match build-up and live scores
- Well-distributed facilities across all stands
Bars and Hospitality
- Alcohol is available throughout the stadium, including the away end
- Hospitality lounges are primarily located in the West Stand
- Premium areas offer private dining, executive boxes and upgraded bar options
Hospitality guests benefit from dedicated entrances, with taxi drop-off available up to one hour before kick-off.
Toilets and Other Matchday Facilities at Stadium of Light
Toilet facilities are located across all concourses and are generally modern, clean and well-maintained.
Key features include:
- Toilets in every stand
- Accessible toilets available throughout the stadium
- Regular cleaning during matches
Thanks to the stadium’s size, concourses tend to feel less congested than at older grounds, although queues can still form at half-time.
Additional facilities include:
- First aid support
- Steward assistance points
- Fan support teams available throughout the ground
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Family Areas at Stadium of Light
The Stadium of Light is well-suited to families, with designated seating areas typically located in the West Stand.
Family-friendly features include:
- A more relaxed seating environment
- Easy access to food kiosks and toilets
- Proximity to club shops and fan zones
The club also promotes family attendance through initiatives such as matchday travel offers, helping make visits more accessible for younger supporters.
Safe Standing at Stadium of Light
At present, the Stadium of Light does not operate licensed safe-standing sections.
While atmosphere is still strong in key areas, particularly among home supporters, the ground retains a traditional seated configuration.
Disability Access and Inclusive Facilities at Stadium of Light
Accessibility is a key strength of the Stadium of Light, with a wide range of facilities designed to support disabled supporters.
Accessible Seating and Entry
- Wheelchair bays available across multiple stands
- Step-free access throughout the stadium
- Accessible routes from entrances to seating areas
Stewards are visible across all areas and can assist supporters at any point during the matchday.
Sensory Rooms and Support Spaces
The club has been a pioneer in this area, introducing one of the first sensory rooms in UK football.
Facilities include:
- Nathan Shippey Sensory Room (Black Cats Bar) – a calm, controlled environment for supporters with sensory needs
- Additional sensory room (Box 1) – with soundproofing and sensory equipment
- Warm Room – located in the south-west corner, offering a quieter space with seating and a live match feed
These spaces are designed to make matchdays more accessible for supporters who may find the traditional stadium environment overwhelming.
Additional Accessibility Features
- Dedicated disability liaison and steward support teams
- Accessible toilets across the stadium
- Assistance available on request via the club’s support services
- Safeguarding staff present on matchdays
Supporters are encouraged to speak to stewards or contact the club in advance for tailored assistance.