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Getting There
This really is the easiest trip that you’ll make all season.
Hartlepool is a simple drive straight down the A19 and, depending where you’re coming in from, it shouldn’t take you very long to get there.
Take the A179 turn off, sign posted Hartlepool, and follow the signs to Victoria Park. The postcode for the ground is TS24 8BZ for the sat-nav users amongst you.
If you’re going by train you can get a return ticket from Sunderland to Hartlepool for £5.50 through Trainline. From Hartlepool railway station it’s a ten minute walk to the ground.
Pints - where can I grab a drink?
Right outside of the away end is the Victoria Suite, whilst just along from it is the Corner Flag - both bars allow away fans in and the price of a pint is reasonable.
If you’re down nice and early, though, you might want to venture further out to some of the higher calibre of bars further away from the ground.
The Jackson’s Wharf offer two for one on meals and if you can be arsed to take two minutes to sign up to their mailing list (CLICK HERE), you’ll receive a token for a free pint which you can redeem as soon as you walk through the door. Don’t say that I don’t give you nowt.
Idols bar - which is right opposite the train station - is open to all supporters before the game and all pints are priced at £2.50.
However, no trip to Hartlepool is complete without visiting the infamous King Johns Tavern on South Road - inspiration to this absolutely poppin’ track.
What else can I do?
If you’re not much of a drinker and the weather is nice, then why not head down to the Marina to check out the boats? It’s actually a nice little feature of the town and when the sun is shining it’s a good way to spend an hour or so.
The stadium
Victoria Park is a decent ground and for those that like to reminisce, it’s a chance to watch a game of footy like we did back in the day.
Half of the Niramax Stand - where the Sunderland supporters will be housed - is old-fashioned terracing, meaning you can take in the game whilst standing pitch-side.
Tickets
Tickets for tonight's game are available on the gate, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for kids.