Q. Why are Sunderland called the Black Cats?
A) The link between Sunderland and Black Cats goes back almost 200 years but it was only recently that the name was adopted by the Club. Fans sent suggestions which were eventually narrowed down to five options, with the Black Cats name and its historical links proving the most popular. Click here for more.
Q. Who do I contact about Charity Donations?
A. Any requests for charitable donations must be sent in writing (not email) to the Public Relations Department, SAFC, Stadium of light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU.
The request must state which registered charity you are, your registered charity number, the date of the event, the nature of the event and full contact details. Any donations are in the form of signed memorabilia - usually an A4 print of the Stadium of Light. However please note that although the club would love to donate signed merchandise/raffle/auction items to every worthwhile cause, this would be impossible due to the incredible volume of requests receives on a daily basis. Therefore, we are unable to accept requests from third parties that are raising funds on behalf of charities.
Due to the sheer volume of requests that we receive on a daily basis it may take up to six weeks to receive a response.
SAFC does not offer sponsorships or donations of a financial nature.
Q. Where does the Club badge come from?
A) The Sunderland AFC crest pays tribute to the Club's loyal supporters by including images from across the region. The crest includes a central shield which is divided into quarters, two of which feature unmistakable regional landmarks - the Wearmouth Bridge and Penshaw Monument. Click here for more.
Q. How much did the Stadium of Light cost to build and how long did it take?
A) Built on the site of the former Monkwearmouth Colliery, Sunderland's Stadium of Light was opened on July 30th 1997 by HRH, the Duke of York following months of construction.
The magnificent Stadium drew visual inspiration from Sunderland's proud industrial heritage in glass-making, shipbuilding and coal-mining and offers the ultimate in spectator comfort.
A capacity of 49,000 makes it is one of the largest stadiums in the country and it was built at a cost of approximately £23m for the original stadium. The additional stand cost between £6-7m.
Click here for our guide to the Stadium of Light.
Q. How can I purchase a season ticket?
A) SAFC season tickets can be purchased in person or from the Stadium of Light ticket office on 0871 911 1973. They can also be ordered online by clicking here.
Click here for our tickets section.
Q. How can I buy a match ticket?
A) Tickets are available for purchase on a match-by-match basis as follows:
Tickets for home games can be purchased through a variety of channels, including:
Sunderland AFC - 0871 911 1973 (subject to a Booking Fee). Visa, Master Card, Delta & Switch accepted.
Ticketmaster - 08705 862 015 (50 lines, subject to a booking fee) HOME LEAGUE TICKETS ONLY, all major credit cards accepted. Available 24 hours.
24hr Sunderland AFC Ticketing information 09068 12 18 81. All calls 60p per minute at all times.
Online by clicking here.
Sunderland AFC Ticket Office
* Subject to booking fee
All tickets are sold subject to ground regulations.
Click here for our tickets section.
Q. How do I join the Junior Supporters' Club?
A) 24-7 is the official supporters' club for young fans devoted to Sunderland AFC, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are exclusive gifts and special members-only promotions!
Membership is free - just give Samson the Cat a call on 0871 911 1247.
SAFC 24-7
Sunderland Stadium of Light
Sunderland
SR5 1SU
Click here for our 24/7 section.
Q. What hospitality is available at the Stadium of Light on a matchday?
A) Planning your hospitality around Sunderland's football season affords you the flexibility to entertain staff, suppliers, customers and friends alike. It also enables us to get to know you better, responding to your every need, matching your people to their preferred location and match and making the whole Stadium of Light occasion unforgettable.
From the moment you enter the magnificent West Stand marble reception, to taking your padded seat inside the pulsating arena, the matchday experience at the Stadium of Light is in a class of its own.
Click here for our matchday hospitality section.
Q. I am a serviceman and would like to attend a game at the Stadium of Light on my return to the UK.
A) Sunderland AFC recognise the vital work done by all of our servicemen and women whether it be abroad or in the UK. To show our support for our armed forces we have signed up to Tickets for Troops. Should wish to attend any of our games you should apply through www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk where you can sign up for free and receive a free pair of tickets to a league game. Terms and conditions apply.
Q. What is the music called that's played before the teams run out?
A) Prokofiev - 'Dance of the Knights'.
When the team are about to emerge from the tunnel, the stirring, unusual and exciting music engulfs the stadium, the crowd erupts, Prokofiev is thrown into 'Elevation' by U2, and the teams run onto the pitch.
'Dance of the Knights' is taken from Romeo and Juliet - and for some is quite simply the greatest ballet score ever written.
Q. Where can I find out about job vacancies?
A) Any job vacancies with SAFC can be viewed here, in the local press and Job Centres.
Click here for our Foundation Jobs section.
Q. What is the SAFC Foundation?
A) SAFC Foundation, the registered charity of Sunderland Football Club, was established in November 2001 to demonstrate a serious commitment to the community by Sunderland Association Football Club.
SAFC Foundation is managed by a board of trustees: Lord Puttnam of Queensgate CBE, Sir Tim Rice, The Bishop of Durham, Kate Adie OBE, Steve Cram MBE and Bob Murray CBE. HRH Countess of Wessex is the Patron. Click here for more.
Q. Where does the Club play its reserve matches?
Sunderland AFC's reserve side play their games at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare ground, based at the Hetton Centre.
The ground, which is within the borough of Sunderland, affords good facilities for the reserves, with a new 250-seat covered stand built three years ago when new changing facilities were also installed.
Click here for information about Eppleton CW.
Q. Can I take a tour of the Stadium of Light?
A) Tours are available of the magnificent Stadium of Light (on non-matchdays only). Please call the Tour Hotline number 0781 911 1224 for further details or to make a booking.
Q. How do I get to the Academy of Light?
A). The club's training ground is on Cleadon Road, click here for directions via our Google Map.
Q. Can I watch training take place at the Academy of Light?
Please note that until further notice training will not be accessible to the public. Any further updates will be posted here.
Q. Who do I contact with comments or complaints regarding SAFC?
A) Sunderland AFC is committed to providing the highest standard of service for its supporters and customers. We are continually monitoring our procedures and we welcome your feedback.
How to contact us:
By Mail: Customer Services, Black Cat House, Sunderland AFC, Stadium of Light, Sunderland SR5 1SU.
By Phone: 0871 911 1228
Q. How do I request an announcement over the PA system at half time?
A. If you would like an announcement read out at a half time send it via email to enquiries@safc.com.
We have a limited number of announcements, so although we will endeavour to read them all there is no guarantee that your announcement will be read at the match.
Q. I have seen the named bricks in the panels in The Stadium walls. How do I purchase one of these?
A. To discuss purchasing a named brick please contact Mr Malcolm Hopkins on 0871 011 1224
Q. I have an item I would like signed. Who do I send it to?
A. Sunderland AFC does not accept individual items for signing due the sheer volume of request that we receive. Any unsolicited items received including shirts, balls, photographs and trading cards will be returned unsigned. Over the course of the season we do have various events where players will attend, where items can be signed.
These are always advertised on our website www.safc.com and within the local press.
Due to the sheer volume of requests that we receive on a daily basis it may take up to six weeks to receive a response.
Q. I have won tickets from SAFC for a match. Where do I collect them from?
A. Tickets can be collected two hours prior to the match commencing from the South West Collection Point at the Stadium. Please bring proof of identity when collecting the tickets.
Q. I am a season ticket holder and I have moved house. Who do I contact to change my address?
A. You need to contact the ticket office directly on 0871 911 1973, or send your new address details to: Ticket Office, SAFC, Stadium of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU.
Q. How do I subscribe to Legion of Light, the Club's quarterly magazine?
A. You can either order online at www.safc.com or you can send a cheque for:
£14.00 - if you live within the UK
£18.80 - Europe
£19.80 - Rest of the World
Made payable to Sunderland AFC and post to: Legion of Light Subscription, Press Office, Stadium of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU.
Alternatively, call 0871 911 228 to place your order over the telephone.
*Please include your full address details.
Q. How do I subscribe to the matchday programme?
A. You can either order it online at www.safc.com or you can send a cheque for:
£57.00 - if you live within the UK
£76.00 - Europe or the rest of the World
Made payable to Sunderland AFC and post to Programme Subscription , Press Office, Stadium of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU
Alternatively, call 0871 911 228 to place your order over the telephone.
*Please include your full address details.
Q. Can I receive a complimentary copy of the programme?
A. Please note all matchday programmes can be purchased at www.safc.com. We do not send out complimentary copies as souvenirs, to assist with projects, or for private collections.
Q. I am currently working on university project /dissertation, thus I would like to ask a couple of questions and ask you to assist me with filling in the questionnaire?
A. Due to the sheer volume of requests that we receive on a daily basis, we do not assist students by completing questionnaires. Information which may assist can be found within our website www.safc.com.
Q. I am currently organising a fundraising event and would like to collect outside of the Stadium of Light. Who do I need to ask for permission?
Please note permission for all collections outside of the Stadium of Light can only be given by Sunderland City Council. All requests must be made directly to them in writing.
*Fundraising Collections inside of the Stadium of Light - Please note that we no longer allow fundraising collections to take place within the Stadium of Light.
Q. I watched a recent match at the Stadium of Light. Will it be available on DVD?
A. DVDs of every home game played by the first team squad are produced within 7-14 days of the match taking place and can be purchased at the Stadium Store or ordered online.
Q. Will I be able to take some shots inside of the Stadium?
A. Please note that only official photographers registered with the Premier League are allowed to take shots inside the Stadium.
There's no permission needed to take shots outside the Stadium.
