We're opening Sunderland's biggest indoor fanzone for the Tyne-Wear Derby

The Fire Station will host what it says is the city’s biggest indoor fanzone for the clash on Sunday 22 March.

There will be an all-day football celebration, with a giant screen showing the match live, special guests including ex-Sunderland hero Lee Howey and non-stop Sunderland anthems - all under one roof.

The day will be ticketed and will also feature live discussion from popular podcasts Wise Men Say and WTFSunderland Podcast as they host the derby’s pre-match party in the venue.

Doors and bars open at 9am, with the pre-match party starting at 10am; live coverage including commentary begins from 11.30am ahead of the 12pm kick-off on the venue’s giant auditorium screen.

With more than 20% of tickets sold in the first 12 hours, the Tyne-Wear derby fanzone at The Fire Station is expected to be popular with fans.

Andrew Dipper, Sales and Marketing Director for The Fire Station, said: “The Tyne-Wear derby is one of the biggest fixtures in world football — and we wanted to create an unrivalled city centre experience for fans.

“Our regular matchday crowd and previous sold-out SAFC events have shown there’s a real appetite, especially for families and large groups who want to watch the match together and be guaranteed a seat for a unique, world-class viewing experience.

“We’re over the moon that Lee Howey, Wise Men Say and WTF Sunderland are joining us for the day as they help get the party started ahead of kick-off.”

Street food and drinks will available throughout the day, making The Fire Station the ideal venue for supporters to soak up the atmosphere before, during and after the match.

Tickets for the Derby Day Fanzone at The Fire Station are on sale now via thefirestation.org.uk priced £15.