29 reasons to visit the Beacon this February

This leap year is the perfect time to 'make the leap' and try something new...

Here are 29 reasons to visit the Beacon of Light this February

Outdoor football
With probably the cheapest football pitches in the North East, the Beacon has 6 outdoor 5-a-side pitches.

Newly refurbished Indoor rooftop barn
Our famous indoor rooftop barn has just re-opened after the re-surfacing of a brand-new turf good enough for the SAFC team to train on.

Indoor courts
Our indoor courts can be used for Badminton, Basketball, Pickleball, Netball, Futsal or Table Tennis.

Basketball
Basketball is one of our most popular indoor sport for 18-24 year olds, you can book a full-court or half-court making it suitable for groups of any size.

Pickleball
The Beacon is one of the only places in the North East to play America’s fastest growing sport in 2023.

Open 7 days a week
From 8am-10pm ever Monday-Friday, and 9am-4pm weekends.

Suitable for all ages
We have something for everyone at the Beacon, from soft play to the Foundation of Light’s Wear Together programme for over 55s.

Changing facilities
No matter what sport you are playing, we have accessible changing and wash facilities for all.

Lockers
Along with the changing facilities, we also have secure lockers for your belongings.

Drinks break
Whether it’s a coffee in our onsite cafe or a refill at our free water station we’ve got you covered.

Official matchday fan zones
The Beacon plays host to the official match day fan zone every home match day, starting 2 and a half hours before kick-off and ending half an hour before kick-off.

Soft play
Bring your child or grandchild along to enjoy our soft play sessions.

Free wi-fi
Working from home? Enjoy free wi-fi at the Beacon.

Movie nights
We are hosting regular movie nights over the next few months, not only are they free but all attendees will get a free hot chocolate.

Foundation courses
As the home of the Foundation of Light, you can take part in a wide range of Foundation led courses.

Wellness classes
Ha'way and Weigh is Foundation of Light's healthy lifestyle programme where they focus on long-term improvements in physical and mental wellbeing, weight loss and diet.

Wear Together
Foundation of Light’s Wear Together is for anyone aged 55 and over, from coffee mornings to walking football.

Football parties
Our home and away parties offer 1 hour of football followed by 1 hour in a private party room with food for up to 16 children.

Gaming parties
Our newly launched gaming parties come with 90 minutes play in our e-gaming room, followed by 30 minutes to enjoy hotdogs and juice. Suitable for up to 8 children.

Meeting spaces
Our suite of meeting and training rooms can be used in a variety of seating configurations for discussion groups, board meetings, workshops and more.

Events, conferences and exhibitions
Our multi-use event space has hosted events from Redd Sky Foundation’s Red Sky Ball to Josh Kelly’s homecoming fight for DAZN.

Free to use laptops
Thanks to Sunderland AFC and Foundation of Light’s collaboration with BornGood, supporters can now access free-to-use laptops at the Beacon of Light. 

Jamie Oliver Ministry of Food Kitchen
A fully functioning teaching kitchen where people can learn the basics of catering. The unit is also used to help people learn how to cook nutritious meals on a budget with support from the Jamie Oliver Ministry of Food.

Prime location
Located right next to the Stadium of Light, overlooking the River Wear you can’t miss the Beacon of Light on Stadium Park. The Beacon offers long opening hours and free parking for everyone.

Disability focused
Fully accessible with ramp and lift access around the Beacon, we create a safe and welcoming space for children, young people and adults who have a range of disabilities and learning disabilities to explore a range of activities whilst developing relationships with their friends and family.

Student discount
Following a collaboration with University of Sunderland, the Beacon is a hub for students, also offering 10% discount for all students. Use code ‘STUDENT10’ at checkout.

Blue light discount
To show our appreciation of blue light workers, we offer a 10% discount for all blue light workers. Use code ‘BLUE10’ at checkout.

Foundation of Light merchandise
Support the Foundation by rocking their beanie hats, scarfs, water bottles and pin badges

Your money goes to the Foundation of Light
Any proceeds from the Beacon are donated to SAFC's official charity, Foundation of Light. The Foundation support people from across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham by tackling some of the region's biggest challenges including, obesity, unemployment, anti-social behaviour and poor mental health.