Stadium of Light in contention to host World Cup matches as Sunderland set to benefit
Women’s World Cup games could be played in Sunderland within the next 10 years.
Sunderland’s home form in the Premier League this season is a testament to how much of a fortress the Stadium of Light can be.
However, the Black Cats’ 49,000 seater stadium also brings plenty of other benefits to the city, including the potential to host other major sporting events.
With that in mind, the Women’s World Cup could come to the Stadium of Light in the not-so-distant future.
Wearside could welcome Lionesses
A report from the Telegraph claims that the proposal to host the Women’s World Cup in the UK is all but certain to be approved, with several venues already earmarked.
It includes 16 stadiums in England, and the Stadium of Light has been named as a potential destination for the competition in 2035.
Other venues include Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, Birmingham’s proposed new ground, as well as several stadiums across Wales and Scotland
Sunderland have already hosted international football before, though the Stadium of Light has never witnessed a major event such as the World Cup.
Sunderland’s City Council Cabinet has already backed participation to be a host for the tournament.
Sunderland would benefit financially from Women’s World Cup
With sell-out crowds very possible for such a big competition, the whole city would receive a boost, from hotels and restaurants to the club itself.
Not only that, but it would also serve as a huge boost to local Women’s football, and potentially bring more awareness to Sunderland’s Women’s team, led by Mel Reay.
FIFA pay stadium-use fees for competitions, and the Black Cats would also likely be reimbursed for the pitch preparation and repairs if required.
Historical revenue suggests that Sunderland could pocket an additional £2-3million for the agreement.
Non-matchday revenue would also increase, which would benefit them in the future from a PSR perspective.
While these may just be proposals at this stage, it is certainly promising to see the Stadium of Light on the map.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Sunderland news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@mackemnews247