Stadium of Light

The Stadium of Light is the home of Sunderland AFC, standing on the north bank of the River Wear on the site of the former Monkwearmouth Colliery. Opened in 1997, it takes its name partly from the miners' Davy lamp that once symbolised safety underground; a large replica lamp stands at the main entrance as a memorial to the pit and the men who worked it.

With a capacity of around 49,000, it is one of the largest football grounds in England and stages Sunderland home matches throughout the season. On non-match days the club runs stadium tours that go behind the scenes into the changing rooms, players' tunnel, press area and pitchside dugouts, with plenty of stops for photographs.

The stadium is also a major concert venue, having hosted Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, Oasis, Take That and Pink among others. It sits within easy walking distance of Sunderland city centre, the National Glass Centre and the Wear crossings, making it a natural focal point for a day exploring the north bank of the river.