A big day awaited and SAFC fans were determined to make the most of it.
They had scarves, home-made banners, hats, Sunderland-themed bags, rattles and anything else they could get their hands on in red and white.
And most of all they had high hopes that the Lads were going to win the FA Cup Final.
Here are 11 Echo archive photos of supporters at the start of that famous day.
1. Ready to get on the train
Supporters leave for Wembley with lots of scarves and banners. Photo: Sunderland Echo
2. London here we come
They had Sunderland rosettes, badges, bags and lots of hope for a great day. Photo: Sunderland Echo
3. One last photo
A picture for the Echo before they leave. Remember this? Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. Rattle at the ready
This fan was determined to make plenty of noise in 1973. Photo: Sunderland Echo
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