Hundreds of fans queued to be amongst the first to get their hands Sunderland AFC’s new home kit, which went on sale today, exclusively to 2018-19 season card holders.
Black Cats boss Jack Ross was on hand to officially open the stadium store and greet supporters as they purchased their shirts.
Despite the wet Wearside weather, season card holders enjoyed a huge on-site funfair, which included live music and entertainment. The stage featured popular local musicians including Futureheads star Barry Hyde, Roxy Girls and YUMA.
Sunderland AFC chairman Stewart Donald, Kevin Ball and a host of former players also joined event host Frankie Francis, of Frankie and the Heartstrings fame, on stage during the afternoon and early evening.
Principal partner BETDAQ also joined in the fun, taking photos of supporters wearing their new shirts.
Speaking after opening the Stadium of Light store for the launch, Jack Ross said: “It was great to see so many supporters turn out for the launch, despite the weather and I would like to thank everyone for making the effort to come along. The shirts seemed to be flying off the shelves, so the design is obviously going to be popular.”
The new home shirt sees a return to broader stripes, and features a round neck, which is favoured by players and supporters. The logo of BETDAQ, the club’s new principal partner, sits prominently on the front of the shirt*, along with logo of technical partner, adidas and the club crest.
The shirt is complemented by interchangeable shorts, in both red and black, giving options for when kit clashes occur. The kit also features red socks with a red and white turnover cuff. The shirt and shorts feature ventilated adidas climacool® technology to keep wearers dry and cool.
The home kit will be available to all supporters from Saturday 21 July, across all three stores – Stadium of Light, Debenhams, Sunderland and The Galleries, Washington.
Fans can also order online at www.safcstore.com. The club’s new away kit will be on sale in early August.
*Supporters are advised that the BETDAQ logo will not appear on junior sizes shirts.
