Sunderland are preparing for a night that supporters have waited more than half a century to witness.

The Black Cats begin their Europa League campaign against AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night, bringing continental football back to Wearside for the first time since 1973.

It will also be the first European fixture staged at the club’s current home.

Sunderland’s previous adventure came at Roker Park in the Cup Winners’ Cup, with Sporting Lisbon providing the opposition in their final home tie of that run.

The journey back has been nothing short of remarkable.

Sunderland were celebrating promotion from League One only four years ago, before climbing through the Championship and then finishing seventh during their first season back in the Premier League.

A dramatic 2-1 victory over Chelsea on the final day secured their place in Europe and completed one of the great recent rises in English football.

Now the immediate challenge is to make sure this campaign becomes more than a reward for last season.

AZ will provide a serious opening test.

The Dutch side qualified by winning the KNVB Cup and have started their domestic season strongly, arriving on Wearside unbeaten after six league games.

They also have far more recent experience on this stage, although one stat should encourage Sunderland.

AZ have lost on each of their previous 11 visits to England in Europe, so Régis Le Bris will want his team to attack the occasion without being carried away by it.

Sunderland lost 2-0 to Arsenal on Saturday, but the score didn't fully reflect a competitive performance in which Enzo Le Fée had a penalty saved before the visitors took control.

That intensity must return under the lights, and home games may be Sunderland’s best chance to build the points needed for the knockout rounds, and the crowd will be expected to play a major role.

There is now an extra reason for fans to anticipate the build-up.

Sunderland plan secret Stadium of Light spectacle for historic AZ Alkmaar clash

According to Mark Douglas of The i Paper, Sunderland have prepared a secret pre-match spectacle for the moments before kick off.

People inside the club believe the idea is 'unique' and may never previously have been attempted at any football match, which is a very exciting prospect for supporters.

The exact details are being protected to make sure the impact isn't lost.

However, the plan has reportedly needed several rounds of UEFA approval, as well as significant involvement from Sunderland fan groups.

Chief executive Tom Burwell has provided only a broad clue, as he says the occasion will recognise Sunderland’s history while also pointing towards the future that the club is trying to build.

That description feels suited to this occasion.

Sunderland want to recognise the club that last entered Europe at Roker Park while showing how quickly the modern side has grown, with the wider aim to use the Europa League to place Sunderland in front of a new global audience.

Wednesday offers the first opportunity, with a packed Stadium of Light and a major Dutch opponent providing the setting.

Nobody outside the project yet knows what the display will involve, and that mystery should only increase the anticipation.