Things to know if travelling to Stadium of Light | OneFootball

Brentford take on Sunderland at Stadium of Light in our next Premier League fixture this Saturday (3pm kick-off BST). The match will not be broadcast in the UK.

If you are heading to Sunderland this weekend, here is everything you need to know to ensure you are ready for your visit.

Travelling by train

To get to Sunderland rail station, you can take a train from London King’s Cross to Newcastle station, then take a Metro service to Sunderland. This journey will take you approximately three hours 30 minutes. Services from King’s Cross to Newcastle leave every 30 minutes on matchday.

The only direct train from London to Sunderland that will get you to the ground in time for kick-off leaves King’s Cross at 7.48am and arrives at 11.15am.

For the return journey, the only direct train from Sunderland station back to London is at 5.31pm.

The last direct train from Newcastle station back to London is at 7.34pm.

Please plan your journey ahead of time to avoid delays. We recommend booking in advance as tickets are liable to sell out.

The promotion with Trainline was in effect until the end of the 2024/25 season. The club is continuing to explore ways of making away travel as affordable as possible for our fans.

Local travel to the ground

Sunderland train station, located in the city centre, is a 15-minute walk from Stadium of Light.

You can also take the Metro to either Stadium of Light station or St Peter’s station, both within 10 minutes' walk from the ground.

On the Metro, up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Find out more about the kids go free offer.

Bus services E2, 2, 3, 4, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 23, 24 and 56 will stop nearby to the stadium. You can get any bus to Park Lane Interchange, which is within walking distance of the ground.

Travelling by car

Driving to Sunderland will take approximately six hours. Directions and satnav guidance can be found on Sunderland’s visiting supporters guide.

Parking at Stadium of Light is limited. The roads surrounding the stadium will be closed on matchday, and there are parking restrictions in the surrounding residential areas.

You can park in the city centre at St Mary’s car park or Bridges shopping centre. Both are paid parking sites.

Pre-paid parking is available at Queen Street Masonic Temple, 25 minutes’ walk from the stadium. This site opens three hours before kick-off and closes one hour after full-time. You can book here for £10.

You can also use a park and ride service from Wessington Wat (A1231) with buses running to Stadium of Light every five minutes.

For information about accessible parking, see the accessibility section below.

Ticketing information

Brentford fans collecting tickets at Stadium of Light can do so at the ticket office located at the north east corner of the stadium between entrance 35-36 and 37-38.

Any duplicate ticket requests must be sent to Sunderland by the Brentford box office. Please contact Brentford's box office with any enquiries ahead of the matchday.

Please remember to bring photo ID when you collect your tickets at the ground.

An advanced search policy will be in place on Saturday

At the home team’s discretion, Sunderland will put in place extra checks in security searches of Brentford fans and restrictions on what you can bring into the stadium.

Please read the following information carefully.

The following items cannot be brought into the stadium:

A full list of items that are allowed and not allowed in the stadium can be found on Sunderland’s guide for visiting supporters.

Wallets will be searched for coins on entry. Any coins found will be collected and donated to a charity of Brentford’s choice following the fixture.

For vapes, power banks, umbrellas and any other larger items, a collection procedure is in place.

You can leave your item with our steward team before entry, you will be provided with a collection ticket and can return to the same area to collect your item(s) from the steward team after the game.

Accessibility information

Eight parking bays are reserved for disabled away supporters. Please contact Brentford’s disability access officer at accessibility@brentfordfc.com to book a space. Please note this is first come, first served.

Stadium of Light has multiple wheelchair bays and seating for ambulant supporters available in the away section.

All disabled away fans that require support can use the lift in the Black Cats Bar to get to the away end requesting to use the lift to Level 3. Stewards can then assist further.

Your matchday at Stadium of Light

The Beacon of Light pre-match fan zone is open to home and away supporters two hours and 30 minutes before kick-off. The fan zone offers food, refreshments and activities for younger fans including drop-in football matches, EAFC 25 games and a live DJ.

Most pubs in the city centre welcome away fans. These include The Fire Station, The Peacock and Streetbar. For fans of craft beer and pizza, Diego's Joint is open all day donates its profits to fund community initiatives for underrepresented groups. You can also enjoy a range of restaurants and shops in the city centre.

The away section at Stadium of Light is located in the north stand, accessible at turnstiles 69-74. Turnstiles open 90 minutes before kick-off.

Fans will be searched on entry. A list of items you can and cannot bring into the stadium is available here.

If you’re staying the night in Sunderland, the city has a range of budget hotels to suit an overnight stay, such as Premier Inn, Hilton, Travelodge as well as plenty of independent hotels whether in the city centre or on the coast.

If travelling with children, the National Glass Centre is a popular attraction for families, or Hylton Castle is a short distance outside the city and offers guided tours.

Have a safe trip and enjoy the match!