Football supporters often accept long journeys to follow their clubs, yet only at Newcastle United and Sunderland does that effort continue inside the ground. At St. James’ Park and the Stadium of Light, travelling followers face a steep climb to reach their designated seats.
Football supporters often accept long journeys to follow their clubs, yet only at Newcastle United and Sunderland does that effort continue inside the ground. At St. James’ Park and the Stadium of Light, travelling followers face a steep climb to reach their designated seats.
The lengthy ascent to the visiting sections at both venues has become part of matchday legend. These areas sit high above the playing surface, creating a noticeably different experience compared to most Premier League grounds.
League regulations, however, state that the allocation for visiting fans should not be limited to elevated areas alone.
Ahead of the 2017-18 campaign, top-flight clubs agreed that at least one block for away support should be positioned close to the pitch. The aim was to boost noise levels and interaction between rival groups.
At the time, the league’s executive chairman, Richard Scudamore, explained that goals scored by the away side should generate visible and audible engagement between both ends of the stadium.
Despite this agreement, Newcastle received approval to remain outside the policy when they returned to the Premier League in 2017. That allowance was renewed during the following season and has stayed in place since.
Sunderland, competing in the division for the first time since the guideline was introduced, may face a requirement to alter their setup before the 2026-27 season unless similar permission is granted.
West Ham provides another example of flexibility, with visiting supporters placed high up at the London Stadium but still offered a pitch-level section.
Any change at Newcastle or Sunderland would create significant organizational challenges. Around 3,000 season ticket holders at each club could need relocation to form new areas for visitors.
Both stadiums already include facilities for disabled supporters, including lift access, and have introduced safe-standing sections for travelling fans.
At the Stadium of Light, away followers were once positioned in the South Stand until the 2011-12 season. The club later moved them to their current location to enhance the overall atmosphere.
Newcastle City Council has backed the existing arrangement, citing safety considerations. Officials highlighted that segregation during exit routes, particularly through a car park, reduces risk and was approved by emergency services and the Premier League.
Sunderland City Council reached a similar conclusion after discussions with its Safety Advisory Group. The authority noted advantages linked to crowd management, emergency planning, stadium layout, and supporter comfort.
Additional measures are enforced on Wearside, with items such as coins, vapes, and power banks prohibited to prevent objects from being thrown from upper tiers.
Critics argue that positioning visiting fans far from the pitch weakens their influence, potentially offering the home side an edge due to reduced noise levels.
The regulation applies only to league fixtures, allowing clubs greater freedom in cup competitions. Manchester City, for instance, allocates the entire third tier of the south stand to away support.
Across Europe, distant seating for travelling fans is common. High-profile venues like Real Madrid’s Bernabeu and Milan’s San Siro frequently place visitors well above the action.
Looking ahead, Newcastle’s ownership is assessing options for a new stadium, with future designs expected to consider where visiting supporters would be located.
At Sunderland, the club’s chief business officer confirmed in April that consultations with fans would begin while acknowledging potential frustration if long-standing ticket holders were moved.
Other clubs have shown interest in similar arrangements. In 2022, Brighton’s chief executive Paul Barber revealed he was examining the possibility of relocating their away section while admitting that stadium structure and safety concerns complicate the process.
