Sunderland v Palace - 13th Sept 2003, 3pm
Sunderland v Crystal Palace
Saturday 13th September 2003 k.o. 3pm
Stadium Of Light
Stadium Of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1BT.
Telephone Number: 0191-551-5000
Ticket Office: 0191-551-5151
Fax No: 0191-514-5123
TICKET INFORMATION
Prices: Adults 23.00, senior citizens & under 16’s - 17.00
Away fans are housed at one end of the stadium, in the two tiered Metro FM (South) Stand.
The internet football grounds guide says : If you can only get to one stadium this season, then go to this one. The Sunderland supporters are exceptionally friendly - but bear in mind you are not allowed to smoke or swear inside the stadium. If you persist with either you will may well find yourself being ejected from the ground! The stadium is the largest new ground to be built in England.
Disabled facilities
Spaces for up to 58 visiting supporters in various locations around the ground. There are disabled toilets in all the stands. Cost 8.00 for disabled person, 12.00 for helper. Booking is essential, parking is available at the stadium - please book through the ticket office. For blind supporters, the club provides sony walkmen for local radio match commentary in the South Stand.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Palace coaches:
Depart Holmesdale Road at 6.15am. The fare is 25.60 for gold members & 28.60 for Palace club members & £32 for guests
Palace train:
There are no further tickets remaining from Gildo & Chris
By Car
Exit the A1 at the Durham/Sunderland exit. Follow A19 North to junction 62, A690 and turn right towards Sunderland. After 4 miles turn left onto the A19, following the
signs for Sunderland North / Tyne Tunnel. Stay in the left hand lane and take the Washington/Sunderland slip road onto the bridge over the River Wear. Turn right onto the A1231 following the signs for Washington/Sunderland. Go straight over four roundabouts into Sunderland. Then go through two sets of traffic lights and you will see the Stadium car park on your right, about a mile after the traffic lights. The stadium is VERY well sign-posted. Allow plenty of time as the traffic can get really heavy prior to matches.
PARKING
There are parking facilities at the stadium, and space for up to 30 coaches, although not all of these are free of charge. There is also a park and ride scheme around the city.
Alternatively, you can park in the city centre and walk to the ground (about 10-15 minutes).
allow plenty of time for your journey as it can get very busy on matchdays.
There are multi storey car parks in Sunderland City Centre. One of the best & most secure is on St Mary’s Way.
There is a park and ride scheme operating on match days, free for both home & away supporters. It’s at Enterprise Park, signposted off of the A1231. Buses run every 5 mins, from 90 mins before game, and afterwards until everyone has gone!
FROM TRAIN STATION
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 towards Wilkinsons and walk down "High St West" and then turn left again at crossroads 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.
A new metro service has started, running from Sunderland with 2 stops Stadium of Light & St Peters for the stadium. Both stations only a few mins from stadium but St Peter’s is nearer the away end. After the game the Stadium of Light stadium only goes north to Newcastle and St Peters only goes south to Sunderland.
Stagecoach Busways buses leave from Fawcett Street in front of Wilson’s. The no’s 27, 28 & 29 run across Wearmouth Bridge, stopping at the Wheatsheaf pub - leaving only a short walk to the ground.. Go Ahead Northern bus nos 131 & 538 run to the ground from the Park Lane Bus Station next to the Civic Centre.
The stadium is also walkable from Seaburn local station (around 10 minutes). On leaving the station turn right at the top of the ramp, and walk up the bank, at which point the stadium will be in view.
BY AIR
The nearest airport is Newcastle 24 miles away, but you can get the metro which takes around 1 hour. Change at South Gosforth Metro station for a metro to the Stadium of Light
PUBS :
Pubs near the ground are jammed packed with home supporters, who are more partisan than most, but there are a couple of decent pubs in the City Centre who let in away fans.
Laings : comes well recommended and is very friendly- this is a Bass pub on Olive Street, which serves London Pride as one of its regular bitters. This is an approx. twenty-minute walk to the ground, but a taxi will only cost about 4 pounds. Also very good for city centre parking at the Civic Centre.
Chaplins
Stockton Road
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 567 3562
VAUX pub, just around the corner from Laings. Again handy for the Civic Centre car park. 20 minute walk again. Located at the top end of the City Centre (South), it is a popular night time pub as well as pre-match pub. It can get quite busy.
Directions to Laings, and Chaplins:-
By those travelling by car, come into the city centre. Then as you come to the major roundabout in City centre, head for parking at Civic centre. From car park turn right down Park Lane (see the map above), with the new bus station on left. Take first left up Olive Street, which has a pub on corner, and Laings is on your left-hand side.
For those travelling by Club Coach, depending on what time they arrive, you can either walk into town centre, or try your luck at the Colliery Tavern (see below), though this is very packed with home supporters.
People arriving by National Express Coaches :
You want to head to towards Civic Centre, and follow above directions.
People travelling by train :
A five minute walk from the station, take Burger King exit, and turn left. At set of lights opposite
Sinatras, turn right up Holmeside. At lights next to cinema turn left, then take second right up Olive Street.
Recommended:
Harbour View
Benedict Road Roker - 0191 567 1402
Small compact bar which can be very busy. It’s on the sea front about 10 minutes from the ground. Away fans are welcome
The William Jameson
30 Fawcett Street,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5145016
Spacious Wetherspoons pub in the centre of town for a drink before or after the game, great atmosphere. Without a doubt, the biggest pub in Sunderland and very popular with the 30-something's on a night. This pub has no music and always has a large selection of fine beers on offer at very reasonable prices. Pre and post match it is heaving with Red and White shirts and it can be a real struggle to get served at the bar. Plenty of seats are available though as it caters for 1,000 people who want a 'quiet' drink. Probably a good pub for away fans as it has a generally friendly atmosphere and doormen working in the pre-match period to look out for any signs of trouble. It's about 10 minutes walk to the stadium from here, or if you are feeling lazy, plenty of buses are available to get you over the bridge. Also serves good quality food all day.
There is a Yates's bar opposite Wetherspoons.
The following information was accurate 2 years ago, I’ve been unable to confirm it all so any closed down / renamed pubs – please don’t blame me!!
The New Derby
Roker Baths Road
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 548 6263
The New Derby was the closest pub to Roker Park and was always popular. A large Whitbread establishment, it has without doubt suffered slightly since Sunderland moved to the Stadium of Light, but has remained popular with regulars. It has 2 pool tables & big screen TV. Bar lunches available unless too busy - but snacks like chip butties always available. Open all day. Requires about 20 to 30 minute stagger slightly uphill to reach the Stadium - the pub does in fact lay on free minibuses to Sunderland’s ground - but you have to arrive before 1.30pm to get free tickets.
The Wessington - Wessington Way (the A1231 near A19 junction) 0191 548 9384. Pub-restaurant. Full menu served 11.30am - 10pm. Children’s menu. Disabled facilities. Large groups & coach parties must phone in advance. Open all day.
The following pubs are generally full of home fans, some may in fact be home only - but I’ll list them on here anyway in case you want to risk them!
The Pilgrim, only doors away from the William Jameson, serves Pilgrim beer at only £1 per pint all day and there is lots of free bar food'.
27 Fawcett Street,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5659166
A very dark theme pub ideally located on Fawcett St. about 10 minutes walk from the ground. At night the music is very loud and of an 'indie' nature, but before afternoon games provides an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of the nearby William Jameson. The pub has a generally friendly atmosphere and a massive table at the back where you can sit with ALL your mates at once!
The Baroque
Low Row,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5555555
Fax: 0191 5555555
This pub had a reported whopping £1,000,000 spent on it's development. It's church like appearance and three levels rising to the back is impressive to say the least. Despite the name the decor is in fact gothic and some may be worried to hear the basement contains dead bodies encased in concrete, don't worry too much though, it's just some kind of crypt and nothing too sinister! Night times can be busy times and you may have to queue, but pre-match it's definitely worth a visit. Many believe it is the 'best' pub in Sunderland, have a look and decide for yourself.
The Howard Arms
183 Roker Avenue,
Roker,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5102559
In between the Wheatsheaf and the Fort, this small friendly pub can also get quite busy pre-match.
The Colliery Tavern
Southwick Road,
Monkwearmouth,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5487157
Directly opposite the Stadium, is was rumoured that the Tavern was going bust until the Stadium of Light opened and now it makes enough money in one match day to last the remainder of the month. Very busy as you would expect, in fact they have a can bar to help ease the congestion. Overall a small place so again get in early if you want a seat.
The Fort
179 Roker Avenue,
Roker,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5674714
The Fort is an old pub located close to the Wheatsheaf and a Working Men's Style Layout. Beer is good, the usual cold and wet stuff and is also a very popular place which can get very full.
The Grange Hotel
Newcastle Road,
Fulwell,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5163121
The Grange is about 15 to 20 minutes from the Stadium of Light in the Northern part of the City.
The Half Way House
133 Southwick Road,
Monkwearmouth,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5491109
It's an S&N pub, with the usual range of S&N beers. Very friendly Landlord and staff. Used to get a good mix of home and visiting fans with the associated banter - but now that the road has moved, many visiting fans will miss it - a shame, cos it's a good pub on the visitors route to the stadium and only 5 minutes walk from the ground.
Service is EXCELLENT on match days, even when the pub is full and people are spilling outside. They have a lot of extra staff behind the bar to dispense the beer quickly. Not sure who did the decoration (ready for the opening at the same time as the Stadium of Light), but the marble effect walls are "interesting"
The place also fills up well after the match.
The Museum Vaults
33 Silksworth Row,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5659443
An excellent pre-match pub with some nice SAFC memorabilia kicking around. This is a more traditional good-old-English type of Public House with a nice open fire but beware of the draughty door in winter time. If you are after a good pint, a friendly atmosphere and friendly staff, then give it a try before you make your way down to the ground.
Around 15 minutes to walk to the Stadium from here, depending on how many fine ales you have downed!
The Old Vestry
33 Fawcett Street,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5143654
If you fancy popping in for a quiet one on your walk to the Stadium from the William Jameson or The Pilgrim, pop in to the upstairs bar, it's a pleasant drinking environment to down one or two and chat with your mates without so many other football fans around. You are probably more likely to end up sitting next to a couple having a break from the days shopping than a group of footie suppoters! It's well located on Fawcett Street and only a ten minute walk from the ground.
The Palace Night Club
Newcastle Road,
Monkwearmouth,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5655551
Fax: 0191 5671776
This is probably one to avoid for pre match entertainment if you happen to be female. If you fancy watching a few lasses getting their kit off while you have a few pints, then this is the place for you. It's very close to the ground but watch how much you drink as there is a very dodgy traffic junction between the night club and the Stadium. Walking time to the ground is approximately two minutes, if you can walk straight!
IDOLS
High Street West
Reputedly has good beer, and scantily clad barmaids & dancers
The Lion
Roker Avenue,
Roker,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5659143
Canny little run of the mill pub located within a 5 minute walk of the ground. Like most of the pubs very close to the ground, you'll struggle to get to the bar and get a drink before the match but it can be a little easier after the match.
The Terminus
Thomas Street,
Roker,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5108703
Advice for away fans, definitely avoid this one, it's a bit dodgy even for Mackem's.
The Wheatsheaf
Thomas Street,
Roker,
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 5672064
Much like The Terminus, it can be quite difficult getting in through the door, but once inside you will find a much more pleasant environment than that of it's neighbor. Occasionally they open the upstairs bar to relieve a bit of the squeeze. It is recommended to get there early, make your way to the upstairs bar, get a seat within easy reach of the bar and settle down for a couple of hours (and order about 8 pints in advance). In the past, The Wheatsheaf has been the scenes of violence following games, whilst this is not a regular occurrence by any means, away fans should maybe be a little cautious about popping in for a post-match drink, but before the game might be ok.
If you walk fast, you can get to the stadium in less than a minute, but you may spend 10 minutes just trying to get out of the pub!
The Cambridge
Fullwell Road
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 567 0188
Officially called the Cambridge Hotel, this pub is located close to what was the Fulwell End of old Roker Park. Still popular as it is only about 10 minutes to the Sol, but this pub is so small, three people and its full thus the reason why there is always an overspill outside.
Fitzgeralds
12-14 Green Terrace
Sunderland.
Tel: 0191 567 0852
This pub has doormen to keep the place from getting too full and probably not allowing away fans in.
Saltgrass
36 Ayres Quay, Deptford 0191 565 7229
There are bars inside the ground. However they can get really crowded. Lager reported to be excellent.
FOOD
There are also a lot of take-aways near these pubs for food.
Best option at the ground is Joan’s Cafe. On North Bridge Street near Wearmouth Bridge is cafe called the Red n white. Also a Balti restaurant & takeaway. North of the ground - Crozier Street Fish Bar
The meat & potato pies inside the ground are recommended. Cheese pasties available for veggies. Bovril reputedly good as are the chicken Balti pies.
FOR THOSE MAKING A WEEKEND OF IT
For nightclubs, go to Annabels or Pzazz.
There are a couple of b&bs about, but as for hotels there is one called the Mowbary Park hotel, which is a two minute walk from the station and it used to be 45.00 a night.
If you want to make a weekend of it, then perhaps stay in the little seaside area of Sunderland, called Seaburn just to the north of the city. of if staying over night you might want head for South Shields where the nightlife is pretty good.
As usual all information is correct to the best of my knowledge... !!
|
