Sunderland AFC 'in talks' about renaming the Stadium of Light please log in to view this image Sunderland AFC are reportedly in talks about renaming the Stadium of Light MARK DONNELLY Sunderland AFC have confirmed that the Black Cats are in talks about renaming the Stadium of Light. The Sun revealed that preliminary talks had taken place about the renaming of the Wearsiders' home ground, which has not been sponsored since its opening in 1997. They claim that discussions have already taken place with a betting firm and energy company after promotional literature was circulated to businesses highlighting the appeal of sponsoring the stadium. Key to the club's sales pitch has been the popularity of Netflix documentary 'Sunderland 'Til I Die', which has seen the Black Cats attract a new, global audience. Such exposure - with the streaming service currently having 120million paying subscribers - has been heavily highlighted by Sunderland, while opportunities to gain exposure from fixed stadium branding, matchday perimeter advertising and branded match tickets and season cards have reportedly also been offered to interested parties. And a club spokesperson has confirmed that discussions are ongoing, but that they remain confidential at this moment in time. They said: "Talks are ongoing, but they are of a commercially sensitive nature, and as such, they will remain private until such time that it is appropriate to release further information." Owner Stewart Donald has previously stated that he would be open to the possibility of renaming the Stadium of Light, while hinting that supporters would be consulted on any potential name change. “I think the fans should have a say on whether they’re comfortable with it," he said, speaking to the Roker Rapport podcast last year. “The vibe I get is that they aren’t particularly attached to the name of the stadium. “It’s not a sacred thing like some of the other grounds. “I think it’s something that we could do without upsetting the fans, so from that perspective, there is potential for us to do it.” In a tweet posted today, Donald admitted that while talks are ongoing he does not believe that any betting firms are among those in discussions. AFTER THE LATEST BACH OF AULD FARTS CONTRIBUTIONS, STADIUM OF ****E COULD WIN....LETS OUT A LAUGH, NOT A FART
Totally cool with this. Hope we don't mortgage the place but renaming is fine. We need the funds to be honest
You sure? (Cant tell if thats sarcasm or not so ill humor it). Plenty of clubs bigger than ours do it. Off the top of my head Allianz arena Emirates stadium Etihad stadium King power Probably loads more. I'm up for this, Stadium of light is pretty **** as far as creativity goes.
Not so much sarcasm but it was a dig at clubs that do it. Mainly the Mags but also Arsenal and Man City. I do think it lacks class though.
I've never felt attached to the name. Roker Park was iconic. I would never have agreed to change that name if we were still there. I'd be more than happy to sell the naming rights providing it brings in very health revenue to the club. I like how they're really thinking about pushing for every last penny we can get. Selling advertising space on season cards and tickets, is a great little idea. It shows once again, these lads really know what they're doing which is a complete turn around from the way we were being run under, Ellis.
Stadium of Light is an awful name for 2 reasons. 1) It's an awful name. 2) There's already a more famous stadium with the same name. As long as they get a decent sponsor name, couldn't give a ****.
Even after hearing Bob's reasons for picking the name, It didn't appeal much to me. However I've, more or less got used to it and in any case I tend to refer to the place as 'The Sol' or just 'The Stadium' and under these names I'm quite happy. I have to admit though that I can't remember the last time I've heard the place referred to, by a Fan, as The Stadium of Light. So while I agree about it being tacky to flog the name, probably on a temporary basis to whoever will pay most, (more renting the name out than selling it!), it wont bother me and in any case Football IS a tacky business. I suspect that I'll still just use the words 'The Stadium' in normal chat. I do hope though that if they do away with the name, they will keep the Miners Lamp. That, much more than the name speaks for the history of the place.
If we were still at Roker I'd be massively against it. Roker Park had a history and an aura about it. Not fussed on the Stadium of Light so anything that will bring money into the club is good IMO. The Tena Lady arena Pampers Stadium
If we can make money...do it... The Stadium of Light is the most pretentious name, i'd be delighted if some company paid the club a barrow load of cash to change it.
I'm all for this if the brand we partner with is thought out. Wonga etc damage the brand. Emirates, Etihad, Samsung and others of that ilk add a **** load of value.
They can call it The loads of cash stadium as long as a the club benefit hugely money wise from a change in name.
Yeah, that's a good one, if such a company was in existence and was willing to sponsor then stadium I fear that you may have missed the point here old boy
