Sunderland AFC
Client
Sunderland AFC
Project location
Sunderland, United Kingdom
Project date
2025
Photography
Joss Burnham
A winning partnership
Six-time champions of England’s top divisions and two-time FA Cup winners, Sunderland AFC have a storied legacy and a passionate fan base.
However, like any professional club, they face the challenge of balancing tradition with modern demands. As the club looked to enhance their lighting across multiple facilities, they turned to the Zumtobel Group's Thorn and Zumtobel lighting brands to deliver a comprehensive, energy-efficient solution that would score big on performance and sustainability.
The project was an all-encompassing lighting overhaul, from upgrading the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground to enhancing the Stadium of Light.
Initially tasked with illuminating the Eppleton ground for the Sunderland women's team and the men's U23/21 squads, the partnership quickly expanded to include emergency lighting at the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light training ground, hospitality suites, and, ultimately, the main pitch floodlighting.
Products
Keeping it local
A crucial element of the project was the commitment to local manufacturing. Thorn's Altis floodlights, which now illuminate Sunderland AFC's main pitch and training grounds, were manufactured in Thorn Lighting’s Spennymoor factory located in County Durham. Situated just 21 miles from Sunderland, this local production ensured faster delivery and installation and supported the regional economy—demonstrating that a strong defence isn't just for the football pitch!
Neil Thompson, Key Account Manager at Zumtobel Group, reflects: "Sustainable stadiums must meet the planet's environmental needs while enhancing the experience for spectators, whether at the game or watching from home. By working closely with Sunderland AFC and utilising our local manufacturing capabilities, we delivered a lighting solution that minimises light spill and energy use while maximising the fan experience and community impact."
From stadium to academy
The project covered three main locations:
The Stadium of Light: where a robust lighting solution was required to match the stadium’s stature as one of England's iconic football venues - welcome to the pitch - over 200 Thorn Altis floodlights.
Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground: home to Sunderland AFC's women's team, this historic sports ground now also benefits from Thorn Altis floodlights designed for high performance and minimal windage. The installation, initially challenged by supply issues with lighting columns, was completed with the dedicated support of the Group's aftersales service team, proving the strength of the partnership.
The Academy of Light: with a focus on both training and player wellbeing, this facility now boasts energy-efficient lighting across its gym and refectory areas, including Thorn's Chalice and Novaline Style luminaires. The training grounds also received Thorn Altis floodlights, ensuring top-notch visibility for all levels of play, from the junior teams to the first squad.
Illuminating the pitch: The power of Altis
Thorn Altis floodlights have taken centre stage at the Stadium of Light, providing exceptional illumination for the main pitch and training grounds. The high power and precise optics of these luminaires ensure optimal lighting conditions, minimising glare and light spill, which is crucial for flicker-free televised matches, player performance and local residence and wildlife. Additionally, the modular design allows for flexibility in aiming and adjusting the light to meet the varied needs of different areas across the stadium.
Altis is also used to maximise fan engagement. The stadium's impressive light shows are orchestrated by a combination of Altis floodlights and a third-party control system, which is linked to the PA sound system via timecode. This allows the floodlights to "dance" to the music, producing a mesmerising spectacle that builds excitement and fan engagement before matches. The synchronised light and sound show ensure that every Sunderland match at the Stadium of Light is an unforgettable experience for fans.
LOOKING AHEAD
The success of this project has strengthened the relationship between Sunderland AFC and Thorn and Zumtobel, paving the way for future collaborations.
The partnership with Sunderland AFC has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase expertise in delivering world-class sports lighting solutions. By combining the strengths of Thorn and Zumtobel, a tailored approach has been created that not only enhances the matchday experience but also supports the club’s long-term sustainability goals.
By delivering locally manufactured, cutting-edge lighting solutions that enhance performance, sustainability, and fan engagement, Thorn and Zumtobel have helped Sunderland AFC shine brighter than ever—both on and off the pitch.
Sunderland AFC has embraced sustainability as a core part of their ethos, with a goal of becoming energy-self-sufficient from renewable sources by 2028. This project is a significant step towards that goal. The new locally sourced lighting systems have dramatically reduced energy consumption, lowering operational costs and improving the stadium's overall environmental impact.
Project Gallery
Downloads
Football Technical Guide (EN)Football Technical Guide (IT)Football Technical Guide (DE)Football Technical Guide (FR)Football Technical Guide (ES)Professional Stadiums Brochure (EN)Professional Stadiums Brochure (IT)Professional Stadiums Brochure (DE)Professional Stadiums Brochure (FR)Professional Stadiums Brochure (ES)
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