After 99 years at the historic Roker Park, the club moved to the 42,000-seat Stadium of Light on the banks of the River Wear in 1997. At the time, it was the largest stadium built by an English football club since the 1920s, and has since been expanded to hold nearly 50,000 spectators.
Scroll down to view these iconic, retro Sunderland AFC photos from the 80s – have any special memories or stories to tell? Get in touch.
5. 1999
Peter Reid celebrates promotion to the FA Carling Premier League after the Nationwide Division One match against Birmingham City played at the Stadium of Light. The match finished in a 2-1 win to Sunderland. Photo: Craig Prentis
6. 1998
Kevin Phillips celebrates scoring a goal during a game between Sunderland and Portsmouth in the Nationwide Division 1 match played at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland won 2-1. Photo: Phil Cole
7. 1997
Disappointed Sunderland supporters sit in the stands after the FA Carling Premier League match against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park in London, England. Wimbledon won 1-0 and Sunderland were relegated. Photo: Stu Forster
8. 1998
A young Sunderland fan watches the Nationwide League Division One play-off final against Charlton Athletic at Wembley Stadium in London. The match ended in a 4-4 draw after extra time and Charlton Athletic went on to win 7-6 on penalties. Photo: Shaun Botterill