ROKER PARK ANNIVERSARY

 On July 31st 1991, Roker Park with its famous "ROAR", had been home to Sunderland for 99 years, was soon to have its days "numbered". Following the Taylor Report and the demand for all seater stadiums, the ancient ground was soon regarded as too small and so was planned for expansion. The Sunderland club built the Stadium of Light, replacing the historic ground in 1997. Sunderland FC invited the Dutch "champion side" to help open the new home, playing an historic game on the glistening new ground. This was the eighth home of the club with seating for over 49,000 fans and what became the 10th largest football stadium in England. Chairman, at the time, Bob Murray chose the new name to reflect the coal mining heritage of the north-east of England. The stadium was built on the site of former Monkwearmouth Colliery, reflecting the coal-mining heritage of  the region. A Davy Lamp (know what this is?) monument it set on the entrance to the stadium, reflecting the coal mining industry that brought prosperity to the region.

As well as hosting Sunderland games, the stadium has hosted three matches for the England international matches as well as Under 20/21 matches and two women's games With an original capacity of 42,000, it was expanded in 2000 to seat 49,000. Its simple design is apparently to allow for redevelopments up to a capacity of 64,000. The attendance record at the Stadium of Light is 48,353 set on 13 April 2002, when Sunderland played Liverpool, but with the visitors running out 1–0 winners. Along with hosting football matches, the stadium has played host to performers such as Rihanna, Oasis, Take That, Coldplay, Spice Girls and Elton John!! Remember them? 

The ground also holds conference and banqueting suites, the Black Cats Bar, and a club shop selling much sought after Sunderland merchandise! Hooray! KNOW WHERE IT IS?

Full name	Stadium of Light
Address	Millennium Way
Location	Monkwearmouth England SR5 1SU
Owner	Sunderland 100%
Capacity	49,000 – football 60,000 – concerts
Record attendance	Football: 48,353 (Sunderland v Liverpool, 13 April 2002) Concerts: 60,000 (Ed Sheeran, 3 June 2022)
Field size	115 × 75 yards (105 × 68 metres)
Construction
Groundbreaking	May 1996
Opened	30 July 1997; 29 years ago
Expanded	2000
Cost	£24 million
Architect	PNF Architects
Main contractors	Ballast Wiltshire