00:00Thunderland is preparing to unveil one of its most significant new landmarks, the £31 million Kiel Crossing footbridge,
00:07which will officially open permanently on Saturday the 18th of October.
00:12The striking new structure connects the city centre with Sheepfolds and the Stadium of Light,
00:16creating a direct and accessible walking route for residents, visitors and football fans.
00:21The opening has been deliberately timed to coincide with Thunderland AFC's home match against Wolves,
00:27ensuring thousands of supporters will be among the first to experience the bridge as part of their matchday journey.
00:34Celebrations will begin in Kiel Square at midday, with a packed programme of family-friendly entertainment.
00:40Visitors can enjoy archival of Sunderland AFC footage on the Expo's Sunderland Pavilion,
00:46live performances and even a meet and greet with former players.
00:49At 2pm, a fan parade led by This Is Wearside will depart from Kiel Square,
00:54making its way across the new bridge, towards Sheepfolds and onto the Stadium of Light,
00:59marking the first official fan march across the Kiel Crossing.
01:03The bridge itself isn't entirely new to sports fans.
01:06It was temporarily opened back in August to help Red Roses fans travel to the Stadium of Light
01:11for England's Women's Rugby World Cup opener against the USA.
01:14Now, the bridge will permanently transform the matchday experience,
01:19offering a safer, more scenic and more connected route between key parts of the city.
01:24It's seen as a major step forward in Sunderland's wider regeneration plan,
01:29helping to better link the city centre with the Riverside and Stadium areas,
01:33and boost footfall for local businesses.
01:35The official opening takes place at 1.30 in the afternoon on Saturday,
01:39promising a day of celebration and a new era for fans, residents and visitors alike.
Comments