Sunderland Keel Square
Fan Zone
The Rugby World Cup is coming to Sunderland, and there’s no better place to experience the excitement than the Fan Zone at Keel Square! Located in the heart of the city, this vibrant space brings the community together to celebrate everything we love about rugby in a proud sporting city.
With a wide range of activities for all ages, Keel Square will be buzzing with energy and anticipation. Sunderland can’t wait to welcome fans and create unforgettable moments throughout the tournament!
🕒 Event Dates & Opening Hours
The Sunderland City Fan Zone will run for three exciting days, from Thursday 21st August through Saturday 23rd August 2025. Each day brings something unique to the experience:
- Thursday 21st: From 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the city will kick off with the Music City event, filling Keel Square with live local performances and cultural energy.
- Friday 22nd August: 9:00 AM until 23.59PM This will be the RWC Fan Zone’s headline day, delivering a full day of rugby, music, food, and atmosphere.
- Saturday 23rd: From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the Sunderland Food Festival takes over, serving up local flavours and community spirit in the same lively space.
🏉 Matchday Activities & Experience
The Sunderland Fan Zone is designed to be a celebration of both rugby and regional culture. Visitors can expect a lively mix of music, entertainment, and roaming performances, with stage programming throughout the day and evening. There will be a strong local identity, with community artists and performers taking to the stage as part of the Music City lineup.
The highlight for many will be the organised fan march, which will see supporters come together and cross the bridge in a celebratory procession toward the stadium—an unmissable, photo-worthy moment of the weekend.
🍽️ Food & Drink
Food and drink will be a key part of the fan zone experience in Sunderland. A diverse range of F&B options will be available across the site, with a special spotlight on local offerings during Saturday’s Food Festival. Whether you’re grabbing a bite on the go during Friday’s rugby showcase or enjoying the flavours of the North East at a slower pace on Saturday, the event will offer something for every appetite.
🚻 Facilities
Toilets are available throughout the venue, including accessible toilets and baby changing places.
🗺️ Explore
Set on the beautiful North East coast, Sunderland offers a fantastic mix of culture, heritage, and coastal charm. From the sweeping views at Roker and Seaburn beaches to the impressive National Glass Centre and lively city centre, there’s so much to explore in this proud sporting city.
Discover and explore more: Click here
Heading along to the match? Follow our designated walking route through Keel Square, past the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, and along the scenic River Wear to soak up Sunderland’s unique sights and get into the match day spirit!
