Sunderland

Directions

Exit the A1 at Junction 62, the Durham/Sunderland exit and take the A690 towards Sunderland. After about eight miles, you will reach a roundabout, at which turn left onto the A19, signposted for the Tyne Tunnel. Stay in the left hand lane and take the second slip road towards Sunderland (signposted Stadium Of Light, A1231 Sunderland). This takes you onto a bridge crossing over the River Wear. Turn right onto the A1231 following the signs for Sunderland. Go straight over four roundabouts into Sunderland.

Then go through two sets of traffic lights (keeping in the left hand lane at the second set, going straight on towards Roker rather than the city centre) and you will see the Stadium car park on your right, about a mile after the traffic lights. However there is only limited parking at the ground, so alternatively, you can park in the city centre and walk to the ground (about 10-15 minutes). The traffic for a couple of miles around the ground was solid when I went so allow plenty of time for your journey. 

There is also a 'Park & Ride' scheme in operation on matchdays, which free for both home and away supporters. This is situated at Sunderland Enterprise Park, which is well signposted just off the A1231. Buses run every five minutes, for 90 minutes before kick off and continue after the game until everyone has gone. 

Pubs

William Jameson (Wetherspoons pub) in the centre of town.

Graham Dutton recommends the new Yates's bar opposite Wetherspoons. 

The Albion pub, on Victor Street, off Roker Avenue. The Harbour View on the seafront, at the end of Roker Avenue and left along the front.

Stephen Lundell informs me; There are also another couple of bars worth mentioning, both a five minute walk away form the stadium, on the road approaching the Wearmouth bridge on the North (Stadium Side) of the river.  There are two social clubs - The Sunderland Companions club, and the Democratic Club, which both get very busy, and will offer a warm welcome to away supporters, and serve cheap beer'.

By Train/Metro

Chris Rutter informs me; "Sunderland train station in the city centre is walkable from the stadium (around 15 minutes). From the train station, exit between W.H.Smith and the bakery. Turn left and walk down "High St West" and then turn left again and walk up Fawcett St to the Wear Bridge. From here you can see stadium as it is on raised ground. Simply cross the bridge, and turn left into Millennium Way,  opposite the Wheatsheaf pub (home fans only). The away turnstiles are located on the side of the ground which is straight ahead".