Sunderland AFC is advising supporters of several changes to the matchday experience at the Stadium of Light.
The North Stand
Commencing from Saturday’s fixture versus Queens Park Rangers, away supporters will be subject to enhanced searches and checks upon entering the Stadium of Light.
Additional training has also been undertaken with stewards located in the North Stand following the Club’s opening game of the season, and supporters located in the North Stand lower are advised that an increased stewarding capacity in the North Stand upper will be in place from this weekend.
The safety of all fans at the Stadium of Light remains an absolute priority and the Club continues to explore a range of further measures, with further operational changes subject to regulatory approval.
The Roker End
Throughout the 2021-22 season, a significant number of fans migrated into the Roker End from other areas of the stadium and this regularly led to issues of overcrowding, persistent standing and anti-social behaviour.
This was highlighted by the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) on two occasions and the SGSA has now formally written to the Club to state that this has been classed a top priority and action must be taken to address the concerns outlined above.
Supporters impacted by the migration of other fans have also contacted the Club and as a result, a consultation period has taken place between SAFC’s Safety Department and Supporters’ Groups.
It is agreed that a long-term plan is the best approach to achieve lasting solutions, but some new measures are set to be introduced immediately ahead of this weekend’s fixture versus QPR.
This includes securing the Roker End and its related turnstiles, concourses and walkways, which will now only be accessible to fans with a season card or ticket in the Roker End.
Following the initial phase of activity outlined above, the second phase will include a collaborative process to evaluate the best options for addressing the SGSA’s ongoings concerns, including the possibility of introducing ‘safe standing’.
SAFC remains wholly committed to ensuring the Stadium of Light provides a safe and enjoyable environment for all supporters and asks fans to support the Club in the delivery of the new measures this weekend.
Frequently asked questions
What do the new measures mean?
The Roker End, including its turnstiles, concourses and walkway areas, will be a secure area and only be accessible to supporters possessing a season card or match ticket in the Roker End.
How will the measures be implemented?
Stewards will be located at the main access points to carry out ticket checks and physical barriers will also be in place.
What is classed as the Roker End?
Following consultation with supporter representatives, it is agreed that sections U13 to U40 and L32 to L36 are classed at the Roker End.
Which turnstiles will be in use to access the Roker End?
Turnstiles 55-62.
How will this impact supporters located in other areas of the Stadium of Light?
Turnstiles 55-62 will be in use for Roker End ticket holders ONLY and will NOT be accessible to other supporters.
The concourse areas under the Roker End, including the lateral gangway and the bottom of stand, will also not be available for other supporters to use.
What if I have friends and/or family in the Roker End who I wish to meet at half-time?
Supporters located in the Roker End will be permitted to leave and return to the stand at their leisure, allowing them to meet you at an alternative location.
What if I have purchased a season card in the Roker End and are not happy with the new measures?
We appreciate that many supporters will be impacted by these changes, so if your season card is located in the Roker End and you are unhappy, please contact ticket.office@safc.com and we will work with you to find a solution or facilitate a seat move.
How will the measures address the concerns raised by the SGSA?
The new measures will help to prevent the mass migration we saw experienced last season, which will reduce overcrowding in the Roker End.
Stairways, gangways and exists will no longer be blocked and the concourse area will also be less crowded at half-time.
How is persistent standing in the Roker End being addressed?
We are adopting a long-term strategy for this issue and following the initial phase of activity, the second phase will include a collaborative process to evaluate the best options for addressing the SGSA’s ongoing concerns and to continue to improve the matchday experience in the Roker End.
What are the Club doing to prevent pyrotechnics from being discharged in the Roker End?
Pyrotechnic detection dogs will be deployed in the Roker End and enhanced CCTV coverage is now in place, which will allow to better identify those persons responsible.