Get ready! On Friday 22nd August, Sunderland’s Stadium of Light will erupt in cheers and excitement as England’s Red Roses take on the USA in the Women’s Rugby World Cup opener at 7:30pm! Sunderland and the region will welcome over 40,000 fans for the exciting opening weekend of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
There's so much to enjoy from 21st-23rd August, as there will be a jam-packed programme of free live music and entertainment as the build-up to the Women's Rugby World Cup begins - which is such a huge moment for the region.
England V USA & Opening Show Presented by O2
Fans attending the opening match to see England v USA at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland will have access to attend the Opening Show, presented by O2. The Opening Show featuring chart-topping English singer and songwriter Anne-Marie will deliver a live performance to launch the tournament in style.
Ticket holders are set for an exciting experience at the opening of the biggest ever Women’s Rugby World Cup, and the game begins at 7:30pm at The Stadium Of Light, Sunderland.
For the opening match, prices start from £10 (adult tickets) and £5 (children tickets)
Grab your tickets here.
Fan Village Fun: Three-Day Takeover
From Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd August, there will be a three-day Fan Village line-up in Keel Square, Sunderland.
Keel Square will transform into a Fan Village featuring live music, fun activities like pass-speed challenges, and interactive rugby-themed games! There's so many fun events to enjoy before, during and after the game, it is really not to be missed.
Starting on Thursday 21st there will be a music city takeover and here's what you can expect:
- Live panel debate: Women in Music & Sport 4pm-5pm
- Cortney Dixon 5.30pm-6pm
- Shannon Pearl 6.20pm-7pm
- Lottie Willis 7.20pm-8pm
- Kay Greyson 8.20pm-9pm
- Du Blonde 9.20pm-10pm
On Friday 22nd, the main event arrives and the line-up is full with even more incredible acts, hosted by David Wooldridge:
- Keel Crossing open to the public - 10.30am
- Rock Choir 11am-11.40am
- Rock DJ 12pm-12.45pm
- Mac Busted 1pm-1.45pm
- BBC Introducing 2pm-2.45pm
- Re Take That 3pm-3.45pm
- Royal Rhapsody 4pm-4.45pm
- Community Parade over Keel Crossing footbridge 5pm-5.45pm - Join the colourful community parade and be one of the first to set foot on the stunning new footbridge, as it opens for one-day only.
- England v USA - screened LIVE 7pm-9pm
- Firework display - 10.15pm
On Saturday 23rd there will be food markets and plenty of family fun to enjoy, hosted by Sunderland Bid:
- Sunniside Food Market - 10am-3pm
- DJ Jamal - 11am-3pm
- Chris Cross Magic -11.30am, 12.30pm, and 1.30pm
- Hannah Graham Portraits - 10am-3pm
- Bubble Entertainment 11am-3pm
- Circurama Circus Skills - 11am-4pm
- Sketching with Atlas Theatre - 11am-3pm
- Aria Movement - 11am-3pm
Plan Your Journey
Stadium of Light is well served by public transport options such as the bus and Metro, as well as being easily walkable from the Rugby World Cup 2025 Fan Zone in Keel Square and Sunderland city centre. Further travel information in Sunderland can be found here.
If you’re heading to the Stadium of Light for the Women’s Rugby World Cup opener from Newcastle, taking the Metro is always a great and efficient option. The whole trip takes around 30-35 minutes, starting from central Newcastle and finishing right at the Stadium of Light’s entrance.
Get on the Metro towards South Hylton and get off at one of the two options below:
- Stadium of Light station - about a 10-minute walk to the grounds.
- St Peter’s station - also around a 10-minute walk to the grounds.
Looking for a place to stay for the big game? Visit our website to find the perfect accommodation in Newcastle and Gateshead - there’s something to suit every visitor.
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