All at Sunderland AFC are looking forward to welcoming supporters back to the Stadium of Light for the club’s Play-Off semi-final second leg.
Our primary concern remains the safety and well-being of supporters, staff and the wider community and although Covid-19 rates within the city are low, the virus is still in circulation and we all have a part to play to ensure it remains under control.
Social distancing measures will be in place throughout the Stadium of Light, and its surrounding areas, and fans attending next weekend’s game are reminded to follow the ‘hands, face and space’ advice at all times.
We are encouraging fans to get tested before and after the game and further information about how and when to do this is detailed below. Supporters are not required to present a vaccine certificate or carry out a temperature check when entering the Stadium of Light.
Face coverings are mandatory upon entry and must be worn throughout the time you spend within the Stadium of Light, apart from when you are eating or drinking.
There will be no food and drink served inside the stadium, however, supporters are permitted to bring their own food and drink. This must be stored in a see-through bag to speed up entry through the turnstiles and alcohol is prohibited.
Hand sanitiser stations will be available before and after entering the turnstile and throughout the Stadium of Light. Supporters are encouraged to sanitise as frequently as possible.
The Stadium of Light store and ticket office will remain closed on matchday and supporters are reminded that all tickets must either be stored digitally on a smartphone or printed at home prior to travelling to the stadium.
There will be no car parking available at the Stadium of Light for this fixture and supporters travelling by car are encouraged to use the city centre Park and Walk scheme.
ENTERING THE STADIUM
The club will be operating a phased entry process to maximise social distancing.
Upon entering the stadium through the turnstile, you are required to follow the one-way system and walk directly to your seat.
29 turnstiles will be in operation, but it is imperative that you that you queue at your designated turnstile, which is detailed on your digital ticket.
If your seat has an odd row number, you are required to arrive at the relevant turnstile between 90 and 45 minutes before kick-off.
If your seat has an even row number, you are required to arrive at the relevant turnstile no sooner than 45 minutes before kick-off.
TESTING
Because one in three people with Covid-19 do not display symptoms, fans are advised to get tested up to three times in the period leading up to and after next weekend’s game.
Tests should ideally take place three to five days apart, so for the Play-off match on 22 May fans are encouraged to follow the schedule below:
- Take a first test on Monday 17 May or Tuesday 18 May
- Take a second test ideally on Saturday 22 May, but if this is not possible on Friday 21 May
- Take a follow up test after the event on Wednesday 26 or Thursday 27 May
For more information on how to test at home, please click here.
Supporters requiring further assistance can also take an assisted test at one of Sunderland’s local sites by clicking here.
If you have been vaccinated, it is important that you still take the tests as you may still be able to carry and transmit the virus.
Should you test positive for Covid-19 before or after the fixture, please advise SAFC by contacting ticket.office@safc.com.
Supporters watching the match at home with friends and family – at home or in the pub – are reminded to follow the latest Government guidance, including the rule of six and two households if indoors and whether inside or outside remember hands, face and space.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Visit our updated FAQs for all you need to know before returning to the Stadium of Light next weekend.
Simply click here.