Stadium of Light

The Stadium of Light in Sunderland is one of the largest grounds in England, built on the site of the former Wearmouth Colliery in tribute to the region's mining heritage. Its vast, steep bowl holds nearly 49,000 fans and creates an imposing wall of noise on the big occasions. Wearside support is famously devoted even through years spent outside the Premier League, and the ground has stayed full through relegations and promotions alike. It stands as one of English football's genuinely intimidating away days.

Opened by Prince Andrew on 30 July 1997, the stadium was named to honour the Davy safety lamps once used by the colliery's miners and the site's mining past. Its original capacity of 42,000 was expanded to nearly 49,000 in 2000 with an extension of the North Stand. Its vast bowl and devoted Wearside support make it a fortress on the big occasions, a symbol of football's roots in England's industrial northeast, and it has hosted England internationals and rugby league fixtures alongside Sunderland's Premier League and Championship football.