The Black Cats dominated possession in the first half but couldn’t find a breakthrough against the compact visitors.
Blackpool posed more of a threat after the interval, especially from set-pieces, yet neither side could find a winning goal.
Sunderland also used all five substitutes and handed a debut to new signing Edouard Michut.
Our Sunderland writer Phil Smith has dished out his player ratings from the match:
9. Patrick Roberts - 6
Didn’t get into the final third too much in the first half, made some brilliant runs in the second and was unlucky they didn’t yield more. 6 Photo: Martin Swinney
10. Jack Clarke - 7
Very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, denied only by some last-ditch defending and top goalkeeping. 7 Photo: Martin Swinney
11. Amad - 5
Showed flashes of his quality - looks after the ball really well. Just lacked that ruthless instinct around the box when rare opportunities came. Will improve. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
12. Jewison Bennette (sub) - 6
Almost produced a matchwinning assist with a brilliant bit of play with seconds to spare, but Maxwell denied Clarke with an excellent save. 6 Photo: Frank Reid