This is why the eyes of the sporting world were on Wearside 10 years ago this week
‘All will receive the same warm, hospitable welcome which our city and our community is famous for’
Wearside’s fans of football and cricket had one thing in common this time 10 years ago. They could enjoy world-class sport on their own doorstep.
England were taking on Australia at the Stadium of Light’s first international game in more than 13 years. England would win 2-1 with goals from Marcus Rashford and Wayne Rooney.
Meanwhile, the England cricket team was taking on Sri Lanka at the Emirates Riverside International Cricket Ground and the home side would win by 9 wickets.
Just as importantly, the double bill would provide a great boost for the region.
Sunderland City Council deputy leader Coun Harry Trueman said at the time: "The images of a packed- out Stadium of Light broadcast across the world will not only showcase our fantastic stadium, but also our city as a global venue for international sport and entertainment.
"Hosting the game between England and Australia in Sunderland is a tremendous honour for us all, and will bring millions into the local and regional economy.
"Many of the spectators will be first-time visitors to Sunderland, and all will receive the same warm, hospitable welcome which our city and our community is famous for.”
Station Taxis boss Trevor Hines said the city was set for a bumper weekend in 2016 but the long-term benefits of showcasing Sunderland meant the economic boost from tonight’s game could extend far beyond the next few days.
"We have shown we can host prestigious events with the concerts attracting the likes of Beyonce, Coldplay and Take That, and the fact we can sell out the stadium for an England match can only augur well for Sunderland, " he said.
Veteran Sunderland fan George Forster told the Echo at the time that it would be good to see Wearside put in the national sporting spotlight.
"It’s great that we’ve managed to get this game and the fact that it’s now a sell-out makes it even better.
"It’s a pity that our star player Jermain Defoe hasn’t been picked for the team, but this is great for the city.”
Tell us if you were at one, or maybe even both of the sporting highlights of a decade ago. Get in touch and share your memories by emailing [email protected]