Spice Girls in Sunderland: everything you need to know

More than 50,000 music fans are expected to arrive in Sunderland to enjoy the Spice Girls concert at the Stadium of Light on Thursday 6 June.

The Spice Girls, formed in 1994 and were one of the most successful acts of that decade. They announced back in November, that Sunderland was one of six cities chosen for their nation-wide tour.

The multi-platinum selling girl-band will be supported by Grammy and BRIT award-winning singer, Jess Glynne.

Jess Glynne will take to the stage first, in Sunderland Credit: PA

  • 7am - Road closures around stadium site in place

  • 2pm - External courtyards open

  • 5pm - Main stadium doors open

  • 7.15pm - Jess Glynne

  • 8.30pm - Spice Girls on stage

  • 10.30pm - Show closes

All spectators have been warned by Sunderland City Council to leave plenty of time for travel and entry to the stadium. Security checks will be in place at the door.

A colour-coded entry scheme will be in place, so all visitors are to check their tickets in advance.

A 3D map of the stadium site, which includes the colour-coded zones, is available for fans to view and download here.

Colour-coded stadium map Credit: SAFC/Stadium of Light

Can I bring a bag into the venue?

A restricted bag policy is in place. Bags must be smaller than A4 size - height 297mm (11.7 inches), width 210mm (8.27 inches), depth 210mm (8.27 inches. Rucksacks are prohibited.

What happens if it rains, can I bring an umbrella?

Unfortunately, umbrellas are not permitted in the stadium. In the event of adverse weather conditions, we would advise bringing a rain mac or disposable raincoat.

Do I need to print my own ticket?

Yes, you have been sent an e-ticket. This MUST be printed out and brought with you to the concert. You must keep your e-ticket in good condition, ensuring that it is kept dry and smudge-free. If it is damaged it cannot be read by the stadium entry system and you may be denied entry to the concert.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the stadium?

No. Any customer suffering from a medical condition with special requirements should contact spicegirls@safc.com well in advance of the concert to obtain permission to bring specific products into the venue. Searches will be applied at the point of entry and guests will be asked to discard any food or drinks before entering.

Can I bring posters/banners to the concert?

Flag poles or sticks for banners are prohibited. Whilst banners themselves are not prohibited, please always be aware of other customers as potentially you may be blocking their view.

Are there any age restrictions?

Young people aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged over 18 in order to enter the venue. Unaccompanied youngsters aged 14 or under will not be permitted entry. Under 16s are also not permitted on the pitch.

The stadium is expected to reach capacity Credit: PA

Extra metros

Tyne and Wear Metro will be running additional and late evening services.Concert-goers are advised to leave plenty of time for their journey and to purchase a Day Ticket, which is valid for the whole day, to avoid queuing at ticket machines.

Customers should use either Stadium of Light or St Peter’s Metro stations before and after the concert as both of these stations are within a ten-minute walk of the Stadium of Light.

Colour-coded tickets

Concert-goers with Purple, Red or Yellow colour coded tickets should use Stadium of Light Metro station.

People with Platinum, Blue or Green colour coded tickets should use St Peter’s Metro station.

City parking

3,500 car parking spaces will available at Sunderland City Council's street parking and in privately run car parks within walking distance of the stadium.

Park and walk

A 'park and walk' system will be in place from Sunderland Enterprise Park and Deptford, with easier access from the main routes into the city.

Traffic

Sunderland City Council will also put a traffic management system in place throughout the afternoon and evening, to avoid over-congestion on public transport or on the roads.

Extra services will be added to the Stadium of Light and St Peter's Metro Credit: Nexus

What's the best route for motorists?

Vehicles from travelling from the South are advised to take the A1018 and A690 exits from the A19 and drop people off in the city centre, with the Stadium of Light just a five minute walk away.

Vehicles from the North and West are advised to use Sunderland Enterprise Park - accessible via the A1231 Wessington Way, which is also the event's main Park and Walk site.