FANS could be greeted by a new innovation, providing pre and post-match entertainment at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, in the new season.

Sunderland AFC hopes to create a mini supporters’ village in the shadow of the stadium up in time for the opening home match of the 2015/16 Premier League campaign.

The club has applied for planning permission to convert an area of the car park outside the south-east corner of the stadium into a Fan Zone.

Providing it receives approval later this week the 1,800sq dedicated fans’ meeting area will be developed off the junctions of Millennium Way and Stadium Way.

It will feature bar and food outlets, with seating and covered areas, a kids’ activity area, including a mini-football pitch, and a giant screen, playing match highlights and showing footage from classic games.

There will be the opportunity of live music performances, radio roadshows, plus a range of interactive activities and competitions, as well as appearances from former and current Black Cats’ players.

Open three hours before kick-off and for an hour after final whistle, the club state that the area will provide a relaxed environment for fans to soak up the match-day atmosphere and meet with fellow supporters.

Visiting fans will also be welcome in the Fan Zone, which will be staffed by up to 50 club staff and monitored by match-day stewards.

As the Fan Zone is within the curtilage of the stadium’s existing licensed area, alcoholic drinks will be served.

It will have a capacity capable of coping with up to 6,000 people at a time, with an anticipation it will average about 3,500 at most times.

Sunderland AFC’s commercial director, Gary Hutchinson, said: “The Fan Zone is an exciting new venture for the club.

“It’s something we hope will enhance the whole match-day experience for supporters.”

News of the Fan Zone proposals was greeted with relish by supporters, as such facilities are seen as the preserve of big tournaments and one-off fixtures rather than a routine feature for all matches.

Martyn McFadden, editor of Sunderland fanzine, A Love Supreme, said: “I’ve been to World Cups and European Championships and this type of thing is pretty common.”

Praising it as, “a lot more civilised”, he added that it appeared to be following the German model of catering for the needs of the fans.

Sunderland City Council’s development control (North) sub-committee will discuss the application when it meets on Thursday (July 2).

Further details regarding the Fan Zone will be announced on the club’s website, safc.com, and across other club channels.