Football. Is. Back.
Forget World Cup drama and pre-season run-outs, the domestic season has returned, and Sunderland will open the Sky Bet League One campaign against Charlton Athletic on Saturday (KO 12.30pm).
The feel-good factor is infectious on Wearside at the moment, with Jack Ross and Stewart Donald leading the way into a new era.
Over 28,000 tickets have already been snapped up for Saturday’s game, including almost 22,000 season cards, so the Stadium of Light will provide a fitting backdrop as the new season gets underway.
Ross’ first competitive game in charge of the Lads won’t be an easy one, though, with last season’s promotion contenders Charlton heading to the north east.
Lee Bowyer’s side finished sixth last season and were pipped to a place in the play-off final by eventual winners Rotherham United.
They’ve also bolstered their squad with a number of summer signings, including Lyle Taylor, although like the Black Cats they do have several injury concerns ahead of the game.
Tariq Fosu, Igor Vetokele, Billy Clarke and Ben Reeves are all major doubts, while new signing Darren Pratley could also miss the trip to Wearside.
Several others are also carrying knocks, but the Addicks aren’t the only ones with depleted options, with Ross expecting to be without several key players.
Reece James, Tom Flanagan, Aiden McGeady, Duncan Watmore, Ethan Robson and Charlie Wyke are all expected to miss out, with Dylan McGeouch rated as a doubt.
Despite an ever-changing squad, the Lads have enjoyed a progressive pre-season, with Ross' Black Cats improving each and every time they've taken to the field.
A 6-0 romp at St Mirren proved to be the standout display, but an impressive showing against second-tier Middlesbrough was equally as pleasing before the stormy encounter was brought to a premature end.
Saturday's game will be the acid test for the new squad, though, and they will be desperate to make a winning start to the campaign.
As will George Honeyman, who will lead the team into battle after being handed the captaincy.
KEY INFORMATION
Supporters are being encouraged to arrive as early as possible for the lunchtime kick off.
Season card holders are reminded that they should use their existing season card from last season, unless they have moved seats or changed price bracket, in which case they will have been sent a new card.
Making the most of the summer weather, the stadium’s popular FanZone will return, initially for the first seven league games of the season, and open at 10.30am.
Stadium turnstiles will be open from 11am. Cash turnstiles 45 and 46 will be available in the east stand and 31 and 32 in the Carling north stand, with adult tickets only.
Concession priced tickets must be bought from the ticket office, which will be open until kick off.
Tickets start from £20 for adults and just £7.50 for under 16s.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
BBC Radio Newcastle’s Nick Barnes will be broadcasting live right here on safc.com from 11.30am.
As ever, there will be comprehensive coverage across our digital channels including safc.com’s matchday blog and live updates on Twitter via @SunderlandAFC.