Roker Report's Matthew Crichton provides eight reasons why signing up to an eight-game season card before Friday's deadline is your best option heading into the final run-in...
1. The Stadium of Light is a fortress. Throughout our League One campaign so far, we have remained unbeaten at home. The Lads have scored in every match, smashing four past the likes of Barnsley and Rochdale. Winning games at home is imperative to any football club’s success and that has been galvanised by our fanatical fanbase who turn up in large numbers week in week out. Sunderland are playing with confidence and a passion to succeed, but we need you to play your part by supporting us all the way.
2. We are battling for the League One title.With eight home games left to play, Sunderland are in the thick of a promotion battle. It is tight at the top, but should the Lads win their games in hand, we are in a great position to return to the Championship at the first attempt. We are in the first steps of a new era for Sunderland, and you have the opportunity to witness a thrilling season that will hopefully see us secure promotion, the season a revolution began.
3. Play your part in the roaring atmosphere. Sunderland have averaged 31,000 fans at home this season, astronomical figures for a club in the third tier. Let’s be honest, watching games on the TV or at the pub will never beat the thrill of being inside the stadium. Who can forget the ecstasy when Lynden Gooch scored that 96th-minute winner against Charlton back in August? Being inside the Stadium of Light roaring your team on creates a sense of pride, a unique feeling of belonging.
4. Will Grigg’s on fire! What a transfer window we had making five new signings. Stewart Donald promised to deliver a marquee signing and although he had us a little nervous, we got the man everyone wanted in Will Grigg. The Northern Ireland international possesses a prolific goalscoring record at this level and we all are raring to see him in the red and white stripes. You are simply lying if you haven’t listened to ‘Freed from Desire’ in the past week, and we all cannot wait to chant it loud and clear at the Stadium of Light.
5. Support our local lads. The signing of Grant Leadbitter epitomised the type of player every fan wants to see at Sunderland. It is great to see local players on the pitch, working hard for 90 minutes, wearing the badge with pride. Throughout this season it has been brilliant to see academy graduates such as our captain, George Honeyman, playing pivotal roles in our first-team.
6. Crunch clashes with Portsmouth and Doncaster.As we approach the business end of the season, the Lads face decisive league fixtures against promotion rivals Portsmouth and Doncaster. These are the kind of fixtures you pick out at the start of the season as games you don’t want to miss, and we have shown on Boxing Day that we can achieve a sell-out attendance. It is our duty as supporters to be the 12th man to spur the Lads to victory.
7. Day out with the family. Going to the football is not just about the game, it is about spending time with friends and family. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon on Saturday or a freezing cold Tuesday night, it is a day to enjoy and make an occasion of. Win, lose or draw, you will create memories with those close to you that you will remember for a lifetime. That time Defoe scored that volley against Newcastle or when Ji rounded Joe Hart and we beat Manchester City, you never forget it!
8. Join the Lads away on tour with priority tickets! As well as watching the lads perform at the Stadium of Light, through being a season ticket holder you are entitled to priority for away match tickets. Sunderland have vital away fixtures against Barnsley and Peterborough, games you can bet we will have a high allocation of tickets for. You witnessed the atmosphere when our fans took over Blackpool on New Year’s Day. And priority will also come in handy should the lads happen to secure a trip Wembley in the EFL Trophy.
SECURE YOUR SEAT
Starting with Accrington Stanley on the evening of Friday 15 February, the package features the eight home league games remaining until the end of the season, including the re-arranged game against Gillingham and the huge clash with Portsmouth on April 27.
Not only does an eight-game package guarantee a seat for some of the season’s biggest games, but supporters can also enjoy significant savings on buying individual tickets for games. Young supporters aged under 16 can buy their eight-game seat for only £30 – that’s less than £4 per game. Under 18s pay just £40 for their eight-game season card and under 22s can buy theirs for only £75.
Adult eight game season cards are available from only £135, with seats for supporters aged over 65 from £100.
Season card holders are given priority for away match tickets. The eight-game season card is available to buy now!