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Sunderland AFC prides itself on being inclusive and working with all supporters.
We recognise that supporters with a disability may need assistance to fully enjoy the experience at the Stadium of Light and offer a variety of reasonable adjustments, based upon individual needs.
The below provisions have been devised with the assistance of the Level Playing Field guidance - see www.levelplayingfield.org.uk
Disabled supporters needing to book or enquire about accessible car parking spaces or wishing to purchase tickets can contact the ticket office via email at ticket.office@safc.com.
*Proof of eligibility is required – please see the bottom of this article.
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SEASON CARDS / MATCH TICKETS
Supporters with accessibility needs have the opportunity to either purchase a season card or to attend on a match-by-match basis, subject to availability.
Tickets are sold at the relevant price for the stand and category of fixture. Concessionary prices are also available.
Where the need for a personal assistant has been identified, the personal assistant is admitted free of charge. The personal assistant must sit with the disabled supporter and must be aged 18 years and over and fully capable of meeting your needs.
The personal assistant must enter the stadium at the same time as the disabled supporter.
**Terms and conditions apply – see the bottom of this article.
WHEELCHAIR USERS
The Stadium of Light has 196 home spaces available for wheelchair users:
- 70 spaces in the West Stand - 16 spaces in the Carling Stand (North)
- 26 spaces in the East Stand
- 80 spaces in the South Stand - 4 spaces in the South West Corner
These can be accessed via one of the four accessible entrances. These are located at entrances 62A, 32A, 46A and 54A. The Black Cats Bar, and all corporate areas in the West Stand, are fully accessible via lift.
VISITING CLUB SUPPORTERS
There are six wheelchair bays in the Carling Stand (Upper). Accessible car parking spaces are also made available to visiting supporters.
The club will advise the visiting club’s ticket office with regards to the number of bays available and qualifying sales criteria.
Please note, that the Stadium of Light is a smoke-free venue.
AMBULANT SUPPORTERS
Ambulant supporters are able to sit anywhere with their Personal Assistant to enjoy the game; from any seat they choose.
If for any reason, an ambulant supporter feels they have more specific seating requirements (a certain area, block or row) they should contact the club’s Disability Liaison Officer to discuss their individual requirements in more detail.
Every effort will be made to accommodate such requests.
Opportunities for disabled supporters to attend away matches can unfortunately be limited by the allocation received from the away club.
Any tickets sold for away matches (including neutral venues) are subject to the terms and conditions of that venue/club.
Should the allocation of disabled tickets that the opposing club provide be sold out, we will offer tickets but cannot guarantee the accessibility of the seat.
NATHAN SHIPPEY SENSORY ROOM
Developed for supporters with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are affected by the noise level in the seating areas, the club has built a bespoke room with sensor equipment which allows supporters to enjoy the game in a calm and suitable environment.
Any supporter wishing to access the sensory room for a fixture should contact the Ticket Office by emailing ticket.office@safc.com once the fixture is on general sale, which is usually 4 – 6 weeks before the match.
The ticket price will depend on the category of fixture but it should be noted that there is only limited availability due to the size of this facility.
ASSISTANCE DOGS
We are delighted to assist and accommodate those supporters with assistance dogs. We can, however, only accommodate supporters with assistance dogs in our lower tier.
Any supporter wishing to bring an assistance dog to a fixture must contact the General Ticket Office in advance of the game, to ensure that appropriate match tickets are allocated and suitable arrangements can be made.
HEADSETS FOR THE BLIND OR PARTIALLY SIGHTED
Supporters who are blind or partially sighted can enjoy match commentary at all home games via complimentary headsets. These can be booked through the General Ticket Office.
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
Accessible toilets are available in all areas of the stadium; these are fitted with radar locks and keys are available from nearby stewards.
ACCESSIBLE CAR PARKING
Accessible parking facilities are available inside the stadium complex. These spaces are issued to eligible season card holders first and then on a first come, first served basis for match day parking.
Every individual experiences their disability differently and Sunderland AFC recognises this, so we review each request individually. Under the terms of the Equality Act 2010, the club will verify supporters’ eligibility.
Proof of the below documentation must be seen before a booking can be made. All documents must be sent or handed in to the ticket office.
Please note, receipt of a Blue/Orange Badge or incapacity benefit is not considered to be sufficient, unless supported by one of the eligibility criteria stated below:
- Confirmation of the Higher rate of Mobility Allowance
- Confirmation of the Higher rate of Attendance Allowance
- A personal letter of support from GP or Hospital Specialist (dated within the last two months)
- Enhanced Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
TEMPORARY MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS
Supporters with temporary mobility restrictions (e.g. broken leg) that may affect access to the stadium or seating areas should contact the General Ticket Office prior to the game to arrange alternative seating.
SAFC STORE
The Stadium of Light store is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Orders can also be placed quickly and easily online, 24 hours a day via safcstore.com.
*ELIGIBILITY FOR CONCESSION
Every individual experiences their disability differently and Sunderland AFC recognises this, so we review each request individually. Under the terms of the Equality Act 2010, the club will verify supporters’ eligibility to obtain such a concession.
Supporters purchasing tickets in the accessible areas at the Stadium of Light will be requested to provide any of the following documentation, issued within the last 12 months, prior to purchasing tickets:
- Confirmation of the Middle or Higher Rate of Disability Living Allowance
- Confirmation of the Middle or Higher rate of Mobility Allowance
- Confirmation of the Middle or Higher rate of Attendance Allowance
- Confirmation of the Middle or Higher Rate of Severe Disablement Allowance
- Certification of being Registered Blind or Partially Sighted
- A personal letter of support from GP or Hospital Specialist (dated within the last two months)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Proof of the above documentation must be seen before a booking can be made. All documents must be sent or handed in to the ticket office.
Please note, receipt of a Blue/Orange Badge or incapacity benefit is not considered to be sufficient to enable you to purchase tickets, unless supported by one of the eligibility criteria stated above.
**PERSONAL ASSISTANT TICKETS
A personal assistant cannot be admitted without being in the presence of the disabled supporter they are assisting.
A personal assistant can upgrade their ticket, should they wish to attend the game without the disabled person to whom they provide assistance, and should visit the ticket office, where they will be required to pay the prevailing rate for that fixture.
Personal Assistant tickets are transferable, however tickets for disabled supporters are not.