Beacon to host Boxing Day Fan Zone

With 40,000 fans expected to make their way to the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day, Sunderland AFC is enhancing fans’ match day experience with a new-look Fan Zone in the Beacon of Light. Whilst the winter weather means that the normal FanZone location in the south east corner of the stadium is closed at present, the Beacon of Light will fling open its doors for a Christmas special event for supporters wanting to soak up the pre-match atmosphere. Hosted by Frankie Francis, of Frankie and the Heartstrings, the indoor FanZone will include a wide range of activities for all the family, from live music and entertainment, a visit from club mascots Samson and Delilah, come-and-try football, table tennis and a SAFC versus Bradford City fans 5-a-side match. Sunderland singer-songwriter Marty Longstaff – aka The Lake Poets – will perform his hit single Shipyards live and supporters will also get the chance to meet current and former players, as well as Sunderland AFC owners Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven. Charlie said: "It’s going to be a great event, bringing all elements of our SAFC family together.

One of the joys of our tenure has been bringing the club and its Foundation back together again, and this joint project is yet another example of what can be achieved when everyone is on the same hymn sheet.

"It’s a real coup getting The Lake Poets to play live as well, given that he is riding as high in the charts as we are in League One!" There will be a range of food on offer from the Beacon of Light’s café and supporters will be able to purchase alcoholic and soft drinks on site. The Beacon of Light is a sports, community and education facility, run by Sunderland AFC’s official charity, Foundation of Light. Boxing Day Itinerary: 1200: FanZone at the Beacon opens 1230: Season review with Wise Men Say podcast 1300: Former player appearance 1330: Live music with The Lake Poets 1345: Members of the first team squad 1400: Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven 1430: Countdown to kick-off Tickets are still available for the Boxing Day game, starting from £10 for young supporters aged under 16, £15 for under 22s, £19.50 for over 65s and £22 - £27.50 for adult tickets. See www.safc.com/tickets for how to buy.