Sunderland AFC has confirmed its initial pre-season plans, with Sam Allardyce taking his side to Austria for an intensive closed training camp between July 7 and 16, before returning to the UK for two domestic friendly fixtures.
The first of the games will see the Black Cats make the short journey south to Hartlepool to face Hartlepool United at the Victoria Ground, at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20 July, 2016.
They will then travel to South Yorkshire, where they will take on Rotherham United at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, on Saturday 23 July, 2016, kick off 3pm.
Ticket information for both games will be confirmed in due course.
The club will also play a number of games in Europe in late July/early August, the details of which will be confirmed shortly.
The 2016-17 Premier League fixture schedule will be announced on Wednesday 15 June, 2016.
