Sunderland pre-season matches: Schedule, kick-offs, venues, tickets

Who are the Black Cats playing this summer? Where are the games taking place? And how can supporters get tickets for the games?

Saturday, July 8

South Shields vs Sunderland (12.30pm)

Sunderland’s first pre-season game takes them to the 1st Cloud Arena to take on a South Shields side preparing for life in National League North following their promotion from the Northern Premier League last season.

Shields are now under the control of former Black Cat Julio Arca, who replaced another Sunderland legend, Kevin Phillips, who was their manager as they claimed the title last season.

With Sunderland playing two games on the same Saturday, Tony Mowbray will split his squad between the game against Shields and the match against Gateshead that follows it.

Tickets for the game at South Shields are on sale now, priced £13 for adults, £8 for concessions and £3 for Under-18s.

Saturday, July 8

Gateshead vs Sunderland (4pm)

Around an hour-and-a-half after the final whistle blows at South Shields, a different Sunderland XI will take to the field at the International Stadium to face Gateshead.

Gateshead, who are managed by former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson, are preparing for another season in the National League after successfully finishing in mid-table last season.

With Sunderland having played against South Shields earlier in the day, Tony Mowbray will split his squad between the game against Shields and the match against Gateshead that follows it.

Tickets for the game at Gateshead are on sale now, priced £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for Under-17s.

Saturday, July 15

San Antonio FC vs Sunderland (8pm local time in US)

After their double-header against South Shields and Gateshead, Sunderland’s players will head to the United States for a tour that will see them play three matches against US-based opposition.

The first of those games will see Sunderland take on San Antonio FC at Toyota Field in San Antonio, Texas. San Antonio compete in the Western Conference of the USL Championship, the second tier of the American game, and are currently third in the 12-team division.

Ticketing details for Sunderland’s games in the United States are yet to be released.

Wednesday, July 19

New Mexico United vs Sunderland (7pm local time in US)

The second game of Sunderland’s US tour will see them line up against New Mexico United at Isotopes Park in the New Mexican city of Albuquerque.

Like San Antonio, New Mexico also play in the Western Conference of the USL Championship, the second tier of the American game. They are currently ninth in their 12-team division.

Ticketing details for Sunderland’s games in the United States are yet to be released.

Friday, July 21

North Carolina FC vs Sunderland (7pm local time in US)

The final game of Sunderland’s US tour takes them to North Carolina to face North Carolina FC at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.

North Carolina play in USL League One, which is the third tier of the American game, and are currently joint-top of the table after 11 matches of the season.

Ticketing details for Sunderland’s games in the United States are yet to be released.

Tuesday, August 1

Hartlepool United vs Sunderland (7.30pm)

Sunderland will complete their pre-season preparations with a trip to the Suit Direct Stadium to face Hartlepool United.

Pools are preparing for life in the National League following their relegation from League Two last season, with Sunderland’s visit falling in the week before the start of the EFL season.

Sunderland have been allocated 1,775 away tickets for the game, with prices and sale details due to be released soon.