Stadium of Light
From Sunderland A.F.C. Wiki
The Stadium of Light is the current home ground of Sunderland A.F.C.. It was built in 1997 with a capacity of 42,000, which was expanded to its current capacity of 49,000. It is the only UEFA four star stadium in North East England and the fourth biggest club stadium in England. It is now the only premier league stadium in it's region.
[edit] Stadium History
The stadium of light was opened in the 1997/1998 season after being built in the 1996/1997 season over the old Monkwearmouth colliery. Its first game being a 0-0 friendly with the Dutch superstars Ajax. Afterwards Niall Quinn was the first player to score in the stadium in a 3-1 win over Manchester City, with Lee Clark and Kevin Phillips also scoring for sunderland in that game. The stadium has so far been around for 11 years and has been the host to some of the highest attendances in Sunderland's history. It celebrated its 10th anniversary with sunderland hosting the Italian giants Juventus, which ended 1-1. The highest ever scorer at the stadium is Kevin Phillips. The stadium has hosted two England international games, including a 2-1 win over Belgium in 1999, and a 2-0 Euro 2004 qualifier win over Turkey in 2003.
The stadium of Light has also hosted the University of Sunderland graduation ceremonies. It has also hosted the rock band republica in 1999, and more recently the Trinidad and Tobago singer billy ocean in 2008.
[edit] Bands and singers at the stadium of Light
- Status Quo
- Republica
- Futureheads
- Billy Ocean
- Oasis
- Take that
