Due to popular demand, the Premier Concourse will be open on Boxing Day when Sunderland AFC host Bradford City at the Stadium of Light.
An incredible 36,000 tickets have already been sold for the Christmas cracker, and the red and white army is closing in on Charlie Methven’s lofty 40,000 target.
Black Cats and Bantams alike are set to play their part in League One history, with the modern-day record of 38,256 – set by Leeds United when they won promotion in May 2008 – expected to be eclipsed.
Just 1,500 tickets remain in the lower bowl and they are selling at a rapid rate, with supporters of all ages queuing outside the ticket office on Monday morning to secure their seat.
100 miles down the M62, Bradford continue to play their part and following a big win over Walsall on Saturday, the Bantams have requested an additional 600 tickets after selling out their initial allocation of 1,600.
SAFC’s executive director, Charlie Methven, said: “The Premier Concourse is back and although that means we are closing in on our 40,000 target, and a slice of League One history, it also represents so much more.
“It is a testament to Sunderland fans, who have played a starring role in restoring the Stadium of Light to its former glory, both physically and spiritually, the players, who are producing the goods on the pitch, and to club staff behind the scenes for their desire to fulfil the ambitious targets set them. It’s a firm sign that the club as a whole is getting back on its feet.
“Games like these are the ones that stick in the memory for years and decades to come. I have spoken to Leeds and Manchester City fans who remember proudly packing out their stadiums for third-tier games. Even now, 40 years on, that Sheffield derby is still being talked about. So, the message to all our fans is: ‘secure your seat now and be a part of history’. In 20 years’ time, you’ll be able to say ‘I was there when we got 40,000 in League One.”
With this being a last-minute measure, and at this point a one-off, former Premier Concourse season ticket holders are not being offered the chance to swap seats in the main bowl for their old seats.
However, now that buying patterns for big matches have been established, if the same situation re-occurs then every effort will be made to make a decision earlier and therefore allow them to do so.
Tickets for the highly-anticipated Boxing Day clash start from £10 for supporters under-16, and £22 for adults.
HOW TO BUY
Online box office (24-hour service)
Telephone: 0371 911 1973 (operating hours replicate the ticket office opening hours listed below.
Calls charged at standard rate, plus your phone company’s access charge. The cost of calls from mobile phones may vary.
In-person: Stadium of Light ticket office, opening hours as listed:
Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm
Matchday Saturday 10am-kick off
Non-matchday Saturday, CLOSED (home tickets available from the Stadium of Light store, 9am-5pm)
Sunday, CLOSED (home tickets available from the Stadium of Light store, 10am-4pm)