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Earlier this year, Sunderland announced that were going to commit to a significant investment into the Stadium of Light. The plans aimed to improve the fan experience and work started over the summer to implement these planned changes.
?️ #SAFC has committed to a new multi-million-pound investment programme to improve fan experience at the Stadium of Light…
? Safe standing
? New PA system
? New floodlights
? New playing surface
? 5G enabled stadiumRead more… ?
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 19, 2024
Stadium of Light expansion plans
The biggest piece of information to come from the upgrade plans was the installation of 2,000 safe-standing seats in the Roker End and 1,000 in the North Stand Upper.
Sunderland supporters have consistently asked the club to look into the possibility of safe standing, and now the club have finally obliged. Rail seating is common in the Premier League, with more than half of the 20 clubs installing it in their home stadiums.
In the club statement, Sunderland said: “The improvements will help build atmosphere and reinforce the impact of the Roker End as our iconic home stand, whilst also creating a safer environment for our fans.”
Installation work on these safe-standing areas took place in July 2024.
?️ #SAFC has committed to a new multi-million-pound investment programme to improve fan experience at the Stadium of Light…
? Safe standing
? New PA system
? New floodlights
? New playing surface
? 5G enabled stadiumRead more… ?
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 19, 2024
Biggest investment in the stadium ‘for more than 20 years’
A new PA system and floodlighting have also been installed alongside the introduction of safe standing. A new playing surface with undersoil heating is also set to be installed as part of the overall renovation of the 27-year-old stadium.
Sunderland said: “The exciting developments represent the greatest level of investment in the Club’s stadium for more than 20 years, and it will result in a transformational impact on the matchday experience.”
Last summer, the club invested significantly in the hospitality spaces in the stadium, with upgrades made to Quinn’s Sports Bar, the Montgomery Suite, and the Business Lounge.
Stadium of Light expansion updates
January 2025 update
Apart from the latest upgrades that include undersoil heating and installation of safe standing zones at the Stadium of Light, we note that there is still more to come, especially in the New Year of 2025.
The design of the Stadium of Light allows for further expansion, which can go up to 84,000. However, stretching the capacity of the venue to that extent seems unlikely. Over the years, Sunderland Stadium has undergone significant renovations, mostly aimed at increasing the seating capacity of the venue.
While not much has come from the club in recent months regarding further upgrades, recent changes that include the installation of a 5G network are expected to improve the Stadium of Light atmosphere, especially on match days.
The recent upgrades at Sunderland Stadium have positively influenced the team's performance, with the Black Cats currently positioned in the top four of the Championship table. Moreover, they have one of the best home performances in the division so far, sitting second behind Leeds after 13 home matches in the 2024/25 season.
Sunderland chairman comments on investment programme
Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said at the time of the announcements:
“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 be completed before the start of the new season. These upgrades signify a dramatic shift in our approach to the 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.”
Stadium of Light expansion: What next?
While the work undertaken this summer was necessary to bring the club forward into modern times, an actual Stadium of Light expansion in terms of a capacity increase seems unlikely.
The stadium is currently the biggest in the Championship, with a capacity of over 48,000. Still, if they are to secure promotion to the Premier League and re-establish themselves as a top-flight club, the owners may consider expanding.
There are 35,000 season ticket holders at the Stadium of Light, a very healthy number for a Championship club. The demand for tickets would rise, too, should the Black Cats return to the big time.