Unusual reason why Sunderland will play away from Stadium of Light during second week of new Premier League season

Sunderland are back in the Premier League after an eight-year absence, and their first match will be at home.

The Black Cats beat Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship Play-Off Final in May to end their top-flight exile.

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Regis Le Bris became the man to get Sunderland back into the Premier League and fans are starting to get excited.

The 2025/26 fixtures have now been released and the supporters will have their eyes on when they play Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester United.

But due to an unusual clash, their first game will be at the Stadium of Light, much to the delight of the fans.

Why Sunderland's first had to be at home?

The Stadium of Light is hosting the opening match of the upcoming 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.

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The game between England and the United States is set to take place on Friday, August 22.

This is Gameweek 2 of the new Premier League season, meaning the Black Cats will need to be away on that weekend and are playing fellow newly-promoted side Burnley.

They were not able to host a Premier League fixture in that Gameweek due to issues relating to the pitch condition, and police logistics around big events.

As a result, Sunderland's first match back in the top-flight will be on Wearside.

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They will take on West Ham at 3pm on Saturday, August 16.

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How does it impact Newcastle?

Most Premier League teams are paired with another side that is close to them.

This pairing means that one team is at home on one Gameweek and the other is away at the same time.

Newcastle and Sunderland are separated by only a few miles and are covered by Northumbria Police.

As a result, when Newcastle are at home, Sunderland are away.

The two sides also can't be away at the same time due to pressure on travel routes leaving and returning to the North East.

As a result, Newcastle make the trip to Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the season with that match taking place at 12:30pm on Saturday, August 16 and live on talkSPORT.

Newcastle will then host Liverpool in their first home game of the season in Gameweek 2.

The first Tyne–Wear derby of the new campaign will take place at the Stadium of Light on the weekend of December 13.

The reverse derby at St James' Park will be held on the weekend of March 21.