Sunderland Association Football Club, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest and most historic clubs in English football. Based in the North East of England, the Black Cats have a proud tradition, a passionate fanbase, and a deep connection with the working-class identity of the city. Matches at the Stadium of Light are central to life in Sunderland, where the club enjoys unwavering support through highs and lows. The club’s long-standing rivalries and proud achievements ensure that Sunderland tickets remain in consistent demand.
Known for their iconic red and white stripes, Sunderland AFC carries the legacy of decades of footballing tradition. Fans and neutrals alike are drawn to the club’s story—one built on resilience, loyalty, and moments of triumph.
Historic Sunderland Moments
Sunderland were one of the dominant teams of the early Football League era, claiming the First Division title in 1892, 1893, and 1895. They were crowned champions again in 1902 and 1913, and added a sixth top-flight title in 1936. The club’s early success was driven by a reputation for attracting talented players and playing an attacking style of football.
One of the club’s proudest moments came in 1973 when they won the FA Cup as a Second Division team, defeating the heavily favoured Leeds United 1–0 in the final at Wembley Stadium. The result remains one of the biggest shocks in the competition’s long history and is still celebrated by Sunderland fans as a moment of great pride and underdog spirit.
| Trophy |
Year(s) |
| English First Division Titles |
1892, 1893, 1895, 1902, 1913, 1936 |
| FA Cup |
1937, 1973 |
| EFL Trophy |
2021 |
Memorable Moments
The 1973 FA Cup Final remains Sunderland’s most celebrated modern triumph. Managed by Bob Stokoe and captained by Bobby Kerr, Sunderland overcame the odds to beat a dominant Leeds United side thanks to an early goal from Ian Porterfield and a series of heroic saves from goalkeeper Jim Montgomery. The moment is immortalised in football folklore and symbolises the magic of the cup.
More recently, Sunderland’s play-off final victory at Wembley in 2022 marked a return to Championship football after years of frustration. Backed by tens of thousands of travelling fans, the team sealed promotion with a commanding performance, reaffirming the strength and loyalty of the club’s support base.
Stadium Atmosphere
The Stadium of Light, opened in 1997, is one of the largest football grounds in England outside the Premier League, with a capacity exceeding 49,000. Situated by the River Wear, the stadium is a modern, all-seater venue that retains the traditional atmosphere associated with historic English football clubs.
Matchdays in Sunderland are filled with energy and emotion. The pre-match rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” has become a cherished anthem among supporters, uniting generations of fans in the stands. The South Stand in particular is home to the noisiest supporters, creating a fortress-like feel for the home side.
Ticket Information
Sunderland tickets are popular for all home fixtures at the Stadium of Light, especially for promotion battles and derby games against rivals such as Newcastle United or Middlesbrough. Demand is high throughout the season as the club looks to climb back to the top tiers of English football.
While official allocations may be limited for select fixtures, SafeTicketCompare lists Sunderland tickets from reliable sources. Supporters from the North East and visitors alike are drawn to the authentic atmosphere and rich footballing heritage that Sunderland continues to offer.
