A Premier League football club is considering the expansion of its famous ground. The stadium, which was built in 1996, has a capacity of 49,000 fans.
However, following Sunderland AFC’s successful return to the top flight last season, the club is now “exploring” the possibility of expanding the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats finished seventh in the league, securing a spot in the Europa League as well as sparking a record demand for tickets to watch Regis Le Bris’ men. Tom Burwell, Sunderland’s chief executive, has revealed that internal discussions have taken place about increasing the ground’s capacity and improving its facilities.
He told City AM: “We have an opportunity with our stadium. We have 15,000 people on a waiting list [for season tickets], we have 54 boxes here and I have 45 boxes on the waiting list.
“I also have to recognise there’s revenue at the moment that’s in the middle of that table I’m not at this moment in time bringing [forward]. We have a great relationship with the council so there are opportunities and plans where we could explore building and improving our stadium.
As Premier League clubs now have their on-pitch spend limited to 85% of their revenue and 70% if they’re playing in Europe, Sunderland are incentivised to raise funds through a range of sources. This includes using their stadium for events, concerts and hospitality offerings throughout the year.
Most recently, the Stadium of Light hosted iconic British pop group Take That for a massive show on Tuesday, June 9. They were joined by The Script and Belinda Carlisle.
Mr Burwell added: “We are a stadium adjacent to the city connected by a brand new footbridge, and with that, what does that mean we can be? A 365-day-a-year sports and entertainment facility
“What else can we put in place here that drives revenues that might not cost us the cost of expanding a stadium, and might also mean that going to the same well [of fans] but we’re offering something completely different?
“I’m sitting on the banks of the Wear. Banks on the Wear is [also] the name of our most premium hospitality box. – it’s a two Michelin star restaurant with the head chef being Tommy Banks. Who would have thought a year ago that’s what Sunderland AFC would have within their premium inventory? Yet we are completely sold out for the new season.”
The Stadium of Light remains one of English football’s biggest grounds outside the traditional “Big Six”. An expansion will be sustainable if the club continues to establish themselves as regulars in European competitions.