How the day unfolded as Sunderland fans made their return to the Stadium of Light

Match day is here – and the fans are finally able to take their seats once again in Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
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The ground will welcome in 10,000 supporters to watch Sunderland AFC take on Lincoln City in the second leg of their play-off against Lincoln City.

We’re at Stadium Park to soak up the atmosphere in the build up to the crunch game and will also be on hand to find out how fans react to the outcome of the match.

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Our sports writers will bring you every development in the lead up to the 3.30pm kick-off and then every move on the pitch through their blog, which can be found by clicking here.

Fans are delighted to be back at the Stadium of Light.Fans are delighted to be back at the Stadium of Light.
Fans are delighted to be back at the Stadium of Light.

If you have any stories to share about today’s fixture or would like to send on photos from your watch party or being back in the stands for the first time in more than a year, get in touch via [email protected] or send us a message through our Facebook page.

Wearside welcomes back live sport as the Stadium of Light opens its gates to fans

Key Events

  • Today, Saturday, May 22, will see 10,000 people take their seats in the ground
  • Kick-off is 3.30pm and we’ll be there to follow the anticipation ahead of the game, as well as reaction to the result after the final whistle goes
  • We’ll be bringing you the latest from around the ground, keeping an eye on the roads, weather and more

‘It’s great to be back'

Chris Groves, 61, from Hartlepool was on his way to Blackpool last year when the game was cancelled.

He said: It's great to be back. I've missed it, I was on my way to Blackpool when that game was stopped. I've never been away for so long."

Speaking of today's match, he said: "I just wish it wasn't such a big game. It is going to be a nail-biter.

“ My prediction is 6-3, might be a bit optimistic.”

Chris Groves.Chris Groves.
Chris Groves.

Stadium gets set to open its gates

Word from our sports team:

Crowd gathers at the front of the stadium

Fans have been heading for the front of the ground ahead of today’s fixture.

Among them us Aiden Marsden, 61, from Hartlepool, who has been supporting the team for more than 50 years.

The 61-year-old, whose mum was born in Sunderland, said: "My roots are so deep and my love for this club is so passionate. I have to support the boys.

"If we support them as we should be we might take it home"

Aiden Marsden.Aiden Marsden.
Aiden Marsden.

Fans are allowed in through the gates

Staff are on hand to help small numbers get through the turnstiles as they head for the game.

Supporters accessing the SoL.Supporters accessing the SoL.
Supporters accessing the SoL.

Sunderland AFC players arrive for the game

Nerves ahead of the match

Gerard Brennan, 51, from Ryhope, said: " It's been so long. It's great to be back, just looking forward to it.

“I am nervous because we have to come from behind 2-0.

“I think it will go into extra time. Hopefully we can pull it off, I know it is going to be hard."

Gerard Brennan.Gerard Brennan.
Gerard Brennan.

Video: Watch as fans enter the ground for the first time in 14 months

Mark Donnelly, on our sports team, has just posted this:

Grabbing a bite to eat before the match

It’s a very different matchday today, but there are some traditions we cannot do without - getting something in to eat before the game.

There’s no food or drink on offer inside the stadium, so people have been told they can take in their own.

People queue up for something to eat outside the stadium.People queue up for something to eat outside the stadium.
People queue up for something to eat outside the stadium.

Alyssa Rowell,16, from Houghton, has been going to SAFC games since she was seven.

She said: "I am very excited. It's been a long wait. I'm just excited to get back in there.

“Ten thousand fans, hopefully it's going to be loud.

She said her prediction for the score is 3-0 and added: "Just get behind the lads, hopefully we'll get an early goal."

Alyssa Rowell.Alyssa Rowell.
Alyssa Rowell.

Less than an hour to go before kick-off

A shot from outside the ground.

The welcome sight of people heading for the game.The welcome sight of people heading for the game.
The welcome sight of people heading for the game.