Area immediately around the station isn't up to much, but there are some decent pubs etc. around Sunderland (not sure what the situation is on match day).
If nothing else, just spend most of the day in Newcastle, the Geordies will all be very pro-Brighton anyway if we're playing Sunderland.
Even if I don't make the away game, I'm going to the Rugby match against Australia at Everton's ground in November.
Which apart from ticking off a new ground will give me the opportunity to saunter past the "No Alcohol Beyond This Point" signs while holding 4 pints.