Cash-strapped Cats decide to close Premier Concourse
SUNDERLAND will close the Premier Concourse next season, with around 1,500 season ticket holders told they must move to the main bowl at the Stadium of Light.
The club yesterday began to contact supporters holding season cards in the top tier of the West Stand, telling them the move will improve the atmosphere at the stadium as well as save money on stewarding and staffing.
The decision has been taken against the backdrop of falling attendances on the back of relegation from the Premier League and a catastrophic campaign in the Championship which leaves the club in serious danger of dropping into League One, which would see crowd figures dwindle still further.
Sunderland have promised fans who renew they will be able to choose any new seat in the main bowl, paying no more than the same price they would have paid in the Premier Concourse - or less if their new seat is in an area with a lower price band.
An open day will be held when supporters will be able to decide where they wish to sit.
The club have also told those fans their season card prices will be frozen at the renewal prices – which are set to be announced soon – for the next three seasons. They have vowed to give the affected fans first refusal on their original seat when the Premier Concourse eventually reopens.
The Premier Concourse will continue to house the directors’ box, the media, and fans sitting in corporate hospitality areas.
Away fans will remain in the upper tier of the North Stand.
JAMES HUNTER