The Black Cats’ League One fixture against Bradford City on Boxing Day looks set to break the division’s attendance record set by Leeds United 10 years ago.
Sunderland are set to break the League One attendance record for a single match as they have sold upwards of 38,257 tickets for their Boxing Day clash against Bradford City.
The previous record, which stood at 38,256, was set in 2008 when Leeds United clinched promotion from the third tier in a home game against Gillingham.
Given the Black Cats have gone a long way on and off the pitch since the summer, when they were in freefall following two consecutive relegations, the high ticket sales are a testament to how fans now feel they have a team they can be proud of once again.
Indeed, the Stadium of Light has seen crowds averaging over 30,000 per game this term and could have the highest average League One attendance come the end of the season, beating Manchester City’s tally of 28,261 from their stint in the Second Division 20 years ago.
On Thursday, Sunderland shared their footage of managing director Tony Davison surprising Andrew Lee, the lucky ticket buyer, with a bespoke shirt commemorating the occasion, and also pledging to welcome him onto the pitch at half time and allowing him to join the directors in Quinn’s Bar after the game.
Some Black Cats fans commented on the video clip on Twitter, some happy for the supporter, others a little less so:
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