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As excitement builds ahead of Saturday's big Sunderland v Sheffield United play-off final, fans will be keen to decide where to go to watch it. Tension will be mounting too and by 3pm
kick-off time nerves no doubt will be totally frayed, given the big stakes involved. With the Black Catshaving secured their place in the final thanks to Dan Ballard's 122nd-minute
header at the Stadium of Light earlier this month, knocking out Coventry City 3-2 on aggregate, Saturday now offers a chance for them to return to the Premier League for the first time since
2017. It's always special to share big occasions with fellow fans and lots will be heading down to London, with the club having received an allocation of 35,531 tickets in
Wembley's West Stand. As previously reported, LNER is laying on extra train services to cater for them. But for the many others watching the match on home turf, there are other options
to share in the atmosphere - in addition to city centre pubs and bars like Gatsby, Life of Riley and Ttonic. To give people an idea of where they can go on the day, here is just a handful of
main venues around Sunderland which will be hosting May 24's action live on a big screen and they include ticketed and free walk-in options. STADIUM OF LIGHT Naturally the team's
home ground is hosting the big game and no doubt the atmosphere will be electric. It is advertising tickets from £15 for its screenings, with various packages available to book online. It
says: Join us at the Stadium of Light for an unforgettable beam back experience and enjoy one of three exclusive premium offerings as the Lads go for glory under the Wembley arch. Whether
you're looking for luxury, atmosphere or a memorable day out with friends and family, there's a package to suit every supporter. "Soak up the build-up, feel the roar of the
crowd, and watch the biggest game of the season from the home of Sunderland AFC." The package options and what they offer are detailed below and bookings can be made here. THE FOUNDERS
LOUNGE - FROM £15 * Access to the suite between 12.30pm and one hour after the final whistle * Exclusive external entrance * A bottle of beer or soft drink upon arrival * Unreserved seating
in the room - early arrival is advised * Purchase bar available * Opportunity to buy food * Opportunity to buy the Official Wembley match day program QUINN’S SPORTS BAR - FROM £25 * Access
to the suite between 12.30pm and this will be the only suite to remain open for up to three hours after the final whistle * Exclusive private entrance to the stadium * One-course meal * A
bottle of beer or a soft drink upon arrival * Unreserved seating in the room - early arrival is advised * Purchase bar available * Opportunity to buy the Official Wembley match day programme
* Live music post-match * Raffle to win a football signed by the first team MONTGOMERY SUITE - FROM £40 * Official Wembley match day programme * Access to the suite between 12.30pm and one
hour after the final whistle * West Stand main reception; Hospitality entrance * Two-course buffet meal * A bottle of beer or a soft drink upon arrival * Unreserved shared tables in the
suite - early arrival is recommended * Purchase bar available * Raffle to win a football signed by the first team and an invitation to Quinn’s Sports Bar for two people for a home match
(2025-26 season) KEEL SQUARE A free option for fans and families is on offer in the city centre square which boasts the big Expo Pavilion Screen. The viewing area will open from 1pm ahead of
the 3pm kick-off. There will be an accessible area and family friendly area with limited seating throughout. It says: "The screening is an opportunity for residents and visitors to
watch the match for free in the heart of the city." Some food vendors will be on site and, while alcohol cannot be taken into the square, the viewing area will allow drinks bought at
adjoining licenced premises - The Botanist and Keel Tavern - to be drunk there. People will be able to enjoy the match from the pubs' own seating areas too. Sunderland city councillor
Beth Jones says this is a proud moment for the city, adding: "Keel Square offers a calm and family-friendly space for the community to share in the occasion and support Sunderland in a
welcoming environment." Viewers will be allowed to take along small folding seats but not picnic blankets, large chairs, gazebos or parasols: see a list of banned items here. STACK
SEABURN The seaside hub of entertainment is promising the next best thing to going to Wembley, with a free-entry screening of the final on Saturday on all its big screens. There will be
commentary too. And what's even better is that there is an option to just walk in on the day. It's pre-bookable benches are now full but it says it has lots of space as well as
other benches free for walk-ins. There also will be entertainment and plenty food options to boost the mood even further. It adds: "Get in the mood to cheer on the lads by enjoying some
top-notch live entertainment from 1pm paired with some insane scran from our street food traders!" See its Facebook page here. SHEEPFOLDS STABLES The £4m food, drink and leisure
development which, as previously reported, opened next to the Stadium of Light in August last year, will be in full-on party mood on Saturday as it hosts a free event. It is inviting
visitors to soak up the atmosphere there both before and after the match, which is being show with live commentary on its big screen. It describes the buzz around Sunderland’s trip to
Wembley as 'electric', adding: "And we’re keeping that energy alive right here at Sheepfolds Stables!" The event is walk-in only, so there's no need to book, and
early arrivals can bag the best seats. Bars will open from 10am and the party will continue after the match with performer Absolute Amy and, as the event is now free, Sheepholds "in the
spirit of celebration" is actually intending to refund those who might already have bought a ticket for Absolute Amy and it says it will email them by Monday morning with refund
details. SUNDERLAND LIVE ARENA There is set to be a dedicated fan zone at the arena, in Houghton-le-Spring, on Saturday for a special event featuring the play-off final on a "massive
screen". Tickets, which cost just £2 (which includes a £1 booking fee), are on sale for what it describes as "the ultimate family-friendly match-day experience". It adds:
"Make sure you come on over and support the Mackems". A bar and street food will be on offer too and its doors will open from 11am. Tickets can be bought online here or at the
door.