Travel Preparation

Important: Fans without a ticket for the UEFA Europa League Matchday 4 fixture are asked not to travel to Sunderland. Entry to the away stand is permitted only with a ticket and a personal identification document. Additional checks will be carried out in Sunderland, and any fans whose details on their ticket do not match those on their ID document will not be able to attend the match.

Fans who are citizens of the Republic of Croatia or another EU country must hold a valid passport and obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for entry into the United Kingdom before travelling. All information about the application, as well as how to obtain an ETA and the conditions for doing so, is available on the official website of the UK Government: https://www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM NEWCASTLE AIRPORT

Newcastle Airport → Newcastle City Centre

Nexus Metro (green line) to Haymarket, Monument or Central Station.

• Journey time: 24–25 minutes
• Price: approximately £3
• Contactless card payment available

Newcastle Airport → Sunderland City Centre

Nexus Metro (green line) direct to Sunderland.

• Journey time: approximately 55 minutes
• Price: approximately £3
• Contactless card payment available

PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM NEWCASTLE TO THE STADIUM OF LIGHT

The Metro runs regularly between Newcastle and Sunderland from the following stations:

• Haymarket
• Monument
• Central Station

For timetables, visit: www.nexus.org.uk

Stadium address: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, SR5 15U.

Parking

The car park at the stadium is reserved for permit holders, and there is no specific parking for individual fans.

A dedicated car park for away supporters' coaches is provided at the Yellow Car Park within the stadium grounds.

A fee of £60 per coach applies, and parking must be arranged in advance.

Road Closures

Temporary road closures and vehicle restrictions apply around the stadium on matchdays. Fans travelling by road should allow additional travel time and follow the instructions of the police, stewards and traffic personnel.

Public Transport

Metro

The Stadium of Light is served by the St Peter's and Stadium of Light Metro stations.

Services are likely to be considerably busier than usual before and after the match. Fans should allow additional travel time and follow match-specific travel information.

After the match:

• Fans travelling north towards Newcastle should use Stadium of Light station.

Taxis

Local taxi operators include:

• Station Taxis: +44 191 555 5555
• City Taxis: +44 191 511 0111
• Steels Taxis: +44 191 565 3555

Uber also operates in Sunderland and across the North East of England.

Demand after the match will be considerably higher, so fans should expect longer waiting times.

OFFICIAL GATHERING POINT FOR GNK DINAMO ZAGREB FANS

On matchday, Thursday, 5 November 2026, the official gathering point for GNK Dinamo Zagreb fans will be:

Elysium Nightclub - What3Words: leap.lobby.brains, Green Terrace, Sunderland, SR1 3PZ

Opens at 13:00 (GMT)

Entry is free

A city-centre gathering point offering:

• hot food
• soft and alcoholic drinks
• toilets
• music

Cash (£) and contactless payments are accepted.

ARRIVING AT THE STADIUM

The away section is located on the upper tier of the North Stand.

Away fans enter through gates 69–74.

Gates for away fans open two hours before kick-off.

Away fans will be allowed access to the Stadium of Light grounds from that time.

Fans are advised to arrive early to allow enough time for security checks and entry.

Away fans with Premium Experience tickets should use the entrance stated on their ticket. Premium areas for away guests open three hours before kick-off.

North Stand Upper is located on the higher level of the stadium and may be exposed to cold and windy weather conditions.

Due to Sunderland's coastal location, conditions can often feel colder than the officially forecast temperature, so fans are advised to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.

The letter A (away) marks where Dinamo fans will be seated.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

• Away fans are subject to an enhanced search procedure in addition to standard security checks. This is part of the security measures for Sunderland AFC matches and is designed to increase spectator safety and reduce the risk of prohibited or potentially dangerous items being brought into the stadium.
• The enhanced search procedure includes:
  • removal of items that could be thrown as projectiles, including coins and other loose objects
  • coins confiscated during searches will be donated to a charity chosen by the visiting club. This ensures that confiscated items are used in a positive and transparent way to support a cause selected by the visiting club
  • all other items confiscated during searches will be securely stored and can be collected by fans after the match at a designated point at the away fans' exit.

• A CCTV system operates throughout the Stadium of Light and the surrounding area.
• Stewards and security staff may use body-worn cameras.
• Footage may be used for the purposes of public safety, crime prevention and as evidence.

• A strict no re-entry policy is in force.
• Once a spectator leaves the stadium, they will not be permitted to return, except in exceptional circumstances approved by a safety officer.

• Northumbria Police work closely with the Sunderland AFC security team.
• Stewards remain the main point of contact for fans inside the stadium.
• The approach to policing in England may differ from experiences in other European countries.
• Police deployment is based on risk assessment and intelligence gathered.
• Away fans must follow all instructions from police officers, stewards or club officials.

Please note: Security measures may vary depending on the risk assessment for each individual match. If additional measures are introduced, the visiting club will be notified in advance and asked to pass on the relevant information to their fans travelling to the match.

FLAGS, BANNERS AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Flags and banners are welcome provided they comply with stadium regulations.

They must:

• be made of non-flammable material
• be smaller than 2 m × 1 m
• be accompanied by a valid fire safety certificate
• not contain offensive, discriminatory, inflammatory, violent or threatening words or images
• not obstruct the view of other spectators
• not cover safety signage, CCTV cameras or advertising boards
• not pose a safety risk

Flagpoles are not permitted.

Musical instruments, including drums, are not permitted inside the Stadium of Light.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Possession or use of certain items is strictly prohibited.

Anyone found with such items may be removed from the stadium, arrested and/or subjected to further sanctions.

Entry to the stadium may be refused to persons in possession of prohibited items.

What you must not bring into the stadium:

• large bags or suitcases, travel bags and backpacks
• umbrellas
• drink cans
• glass bottles or glasses
• lasers
• drones
• air horns and other noise-making devices
• baby bottles with a capacity greater than 500 ml
• video recording equipment
• alcohol
• rain umbrellas (except small folding umbrellas)
• pyrotechnics or explosive devices
• professional cameras with interchangeable lenses
• musical instruments
• laser pens (pointers)
• tools or gas canisters/cylinders
• drugs or illegal substances
• food and drink (except essential items for young children, at staff discretion)
• poles or sticks
• e-cigarettes and vaping devices

The stadium is a no-smoking zone. This includes e-cigarettes and vaping devices.

POLICE INFORMATION

All fans must hold a valid match ticket and show it upon request by officials.

It is a criminal offence to disturb public order and peace under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Possession or use of:

• fireworks
• pyrotechnic devices
• flares
• smoke devices
• any items that could be used to injure another person

is strictly prohibited.

Persons in possession of the above items, or who behave in a way that endangers the safety of others, may be arrested and/or removed from the stadium.

INSIDE THE STADIUM OF LIGHT

The away section has 1,000 seats.

Fans must use the seat or area stated on their ticket and follow the stewards' instructions.

Alcohol

Alcohol can be purchased in designated areas in the stadium concourses.

Under United Kingdom law, alcohol must not be brought into or consumed in areas from which the match can be viewed.

Breaching this rule carries a fine of up to £2,500.

Smoking and Vaping

Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is prohibited throughout the Stadium of Light.

Persons who leave the stadium to smoke or vape will not be permitted to re-enter.

Cashless Payments

The Stadium of Light is a cashless stadium.

Only card payments are accepted at all food, drink and retail outlets.

Catering

Food and drink kiosks are located in the stadium concourses.

Halal and gluten-free options are available at selected kiosks.

Official Matchday Programme

The official matchday programme can be purchased inside and around the Stadium of Light on matchday at a price of £4.

Stadium Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the stadium and in all catering areas.

Connection details are displayed in the concourses and catering zones.

COMMUNICATION IN THE STADIUM

Important safety information will be communicated via the public address system and video screens at the Stadium of Light.

Fans should pay attention to announcements before, during and after the match and follow all safety instructions issued by stewards, security staff or emergency services.

Interpreters and Language Assistance

Language assistance will be available to away fans at:

• away fan entrances
• designated information points
• other key locations around the stadium

Interpreters can assist with stadium entry, ticket purchases, enquiries and communication with stadium staff.

Important safety and match-related information may also be available in translated form where appropriate.

Need to report a problem?

If you need assistance or wish to report a safety concern, please contact the nearest steward or member of security staff.

If the situation is an emergency, please report it immediately.

If the situation is not urgent, you can also report your concerns anonymously via the matchday incident reporting system.

ACCESSIBILITY

Sunderland AFC is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all fans.

Accessibility facilities are available to away fans, including wheelchair user access, audio-descriptive commentary and assistance entering the away section.

Fans who require special adjustments are advised to contact their club in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Disability Access Officer

Debra Cunskey

Full information about accessibility facilities and services is available on the dedicated Sunderland AFC accessibility page.

SAFETY AND FAN CONDUCT

Stewards and security staff are deployed throughout the stadium and its surroundings to assist fans.

Stewards can be recognised in and around the away section by their distinctive uniforms.

CCTV operates throughout the Stadium of Light.

Body-worn cameras worn by stewards and security officers may also be used.

Sunderland AFC is committed to providing a safe, enjoyable and inclusive environment for everyone visiting the Stadium of Light.

Discriminatory, offensive or antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.

Fans are expected to respect stadium rules, as well as all lawful instructions from stewards, security officers and police officers.

Failure to comply with the rules may result in refusal of entry, removal from the stadium, arrest and/or further sanctions.

AFTER THE MATCH

TRANSPORT AFTER THE MATCH

GNK Dinamo Zagreb fans returning to Newcastle after the match are advised to use the Nexus Metro network.

Stadium of Light Metro Station

What3Words: forum.glory.many

Police officers and stewards will assist fans and direct them towards the Metro station after the final whistle.

Fans should follow the instructions of stewards and police officers when leaving the away section.

Depending on the match and operational requirements, away fans may be temporarily held inside the stadium after the final whistle. Fans will be informed of any such measures on matchday.

Away fans' coaches may also be held for a short period to reduce pedestrian movement around the stadium.

Temporary road closures apply around the Stadium of Light after the match, and stadium car parks may remain closed until pedestrian traffic has eased and it is safe to allow vehicles to leave.

Fans using public transport should follow match-related information and allow additional time for their journey.

IMPORTANT MATCH-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Organisational details for UEFA Europa League matches may vary depending on:

• the visiting club
• the expected number of spectators
• traffic and transport arrangements
• the match-specific security assessment

Information about the following:

• the away fans' gathering point
• any organised fan march
• recommended routes to the Stadium of Light
• changes to traffic and transport
• additional security measures
• post-match arrangements

will be confirmed separately for each individual match.

Before travelling, fans should follow the official announcements of Sunderland AFC and their own club.

We call on all fans to support the team in a fair and respectful manner and to cheer on our lads with pride.

Enjoy the match and support GNK Dinamo!