Businesses urged not to miss out on free website spot

Sunderland AFC commercial director Gary Hutchinson briefs the city's Chamber of Commerce about the big events at the Stadium of Light this summer.

England will face Australia in a warm-up game ahead of the European Championship finals at the Stadium on Friday, May 27, then Beyonce will perform a sell-out show at the ground on Tuesday, June 28.

The two events will bring visitors from across the country to Wearside and inject millions into the local and regional economy.

Details of the events and the kind of audiences they are likely to attract were unveiled at a special meeting at the Stadium of Light.

Speakers included SAFC commerical director Gary Hutchinson, new city council chief executive Irene Lucas and Superintendent Sarah Pitt, of Northumbria Police’s southern area command.

Gary Hutchinson said it was essential local businesses were prepared for the crowds.

“The Stadium of Light has proven year-on-year that it can attract the biggest events, bringing with it thousands of new visitors into the North East,” he said.

“This has a significant effect on the regional economy, with a lot of money being spent on transport, leisure, tourism, hospitality and retail industries.”

A dedicated area of the club’s events website will carry free information about city venues and any offers they have for people attending the events, but the deadline for inclusion expires at noon tomorrow.

SAFC marketing manager David Jackson told the meeting all they had to do was e-mail in details of the business and any offers they might have.

“This is where we can reach all the people who will be coming into the city for this summer’s events,” he said.

“All you have to do is send in your submissions to us by e-mail.

“We will do the rest of the work to make sure it is up on our website and that people are pushed to these offers.”

The events were a good opportunity to highlight what the city and the wider region had to offer to visitors who had perhaps never been here before, he told the meeting.

“We want people to come back to the city, spend their time here and enjoy the wider area,” said Mr Jackson.

Anyone wanting to have their information on the site should e-mail details of their business and offers to [email protected]