Sunderland chief says Stadium of Light expansion remains a constant discussion amid potential £250m bill | OneFootball

Sunderland interim CEO Tom Burwell says expanding the Stadium of Light remains a constant internal discussion, with any project potentially costing around £250m.

According to Sunderland Echo, Burwell briefed fans at the latest Supporters’ Collective Meeting, adding that the club will keep exploring options to increase attendance and revenues.

The stadium holds just under 49,000. The club have worked with Sunderland City Council on plans for the neighbouring Sheepfolds site to preserve the possibility of extending the South Stand. The club opposed the council’s initial scheme but backed a revised application that restores a commercial buffer between the ground and the development.

The council remains supportive of the club’s ambitions. A lengthy season-ticket waiting list reflects recent performance, though Burwell accepts it will fluctuate, and any expansion would have to factor that in.

Internally there is debate over whether an expansion makes sense at current build costs, given it might add only a four, or possibly low five-figure, number of seats. The club are keen to grow hospitality, with a waiting list for boxes, and only six per cent of seats at the Stadium of Light classed as premium compared with 16 per cent at Everton’s Hill Dickinson. That could see hospitality addressed first, or prioritised within any future expansion.

Source: Sunderland Echo