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Sunderland will close the Premier Concourse next season, with around 1,500 season ticket holders told they must move to the main bowl at the Stadium of Light.

The club has today begun to contact supporters holding season cards in the top tier of the West Stand telling them that the move will improve the atmosphere at the stadium, as well as save money on stewarding and staffing.

The decision has been taken against the backdrop of falling attendances on the back of relegation from the Premier League, and a catastrophic campaign in the Championship which leaves the club in serious danger of dropping into League One, which would see crowd figures dwindle still further.

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ChronicleLive understands that the club has yet to publicly confirm the closure because it believes it has a duty to contact the affected season card holders first, but supporters began to receive letters and emails today and the news quickly spread via social media.

Sunderland have promised fans who renew that they will be able to choose any new seat in the main bowl, paying no more than the same price they would have paid in the Premier Concourse , or less if their new seat is in an area with a lower price band.

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An open day will be held when the supporters will be able to decide where they wish to sit.

The club has also told those fans that their season card prices will be frozen at the renewal prices - which are set to be announced soon - for the next three seasons.

And they have vowed to give the affected fans first refusal on their original seat when the Premier Concourse reopens.

The Premier Concourse will continue to house the directors box, media, and fans sitting in corporate hospitality areas.

Away fans will remain in the upper tier of the North Stand.

Premier Concourse ticket holders who have not received either the letter or email because their contact details have changed can get in touch with the club by emailing PC2018@safc.com and giving their name and season card number or by calling 0191 551 5101.