The roar of the Tynecastle crowd will echo louder than ever this summer—not for a league title, not for a cup run, but for a man who’s given his soul to the club. On the Craig Gordon Testimonial MatchTynecastle Park, Heart of Midlothian Football Club will honor their legendary captain, Craig Sinclair Gordon, in a heartfelt send-off against Sunderland Association Football Club. Tickets for the event’s three exclusive hospitality packages go on sale Tuesday, June 17th, 2025, at 10:00 AM UTC, and they’re already drawing early interest from fans who’ve watched Gordon rise from a boy in Edinburgh to Scotland’s fourth-most decorated goalkeeper of all time.
A Captain’s Legacy
At 42, Gordon isn’t just a goalkeeper—he’s a symbol. He’s made 330 appearances for Hearts across two spells, kept over 100 clean sheets in European competition, and captained the side through relegation battles, cup finals, and the quiet, gritty victories that define true loyalty. He’s the only player in the club’s modern era to wear the armband for more than a decade. When he returned from Celtic in 2014 after a stint at Norwich City, fans didn’t just welcome him back—they celebrated him like a prodigal son who’d come home with medals but never forgot where he started.
"What fills me with pride the most is pulling on that Hearts jersey," Gordon said in his official testimonial statement. And it’s true. You can see it in his eyes when he walks out before a match—there’s no calculation, no performance. Just pure, unfiltered connection.
The Match That Connects Two Worlds
The choice of opponent is no accident. Sunderland AFC, newly promoted to the Premier League for the 2025/26 season, holds a special place in Gordon’s career. He joined them in 2007 for a then-British record £9 million fee—a transfer that shocked Scottish football. At the Stadium of Light, he became a fan favorite, playing in the 2009 FA Cup Final and helping them avoid relegation in 2011. Now, they’re coming to Edinburgh not as rivals, but as guests of honor.
"I enjoyed some great times at the Stadium of Light," Gordon added. "They hold a special place in my heart." That sentiment is echoed by Sunderland’s own communications team, who’ve announced a limited-edition matchday programme featuring exclusive interviews and reflections on Gordon’s journey—from his debut at 18 with Hearts to becoming Britain’s top goalkeeper at his peak.
Hospitality That Honors the Moment
Hearts FC isn’t just selling tickets—they’re selling memories. Three packages are available:
- The Gorgie Suite at £150: A premium dining experience with panoramic views of the pitch, located in the historic Gorgie stand where Gordon first dreamed of playing.
- The Strongbow Legends Lounge at £99: A more intimate, nostalgic setting with memorabilia from Gordon’s career, including a signed jersey display.
- The Skyline Lounge at £199: The top-tier option, offering private seating, a pre-match reception with former players, and a complimentary keepsake gift.
All packages include VAT, a three-course meal, and access to the match. Bookings can be made by calling the Hearts FC Hospitality Team at 0131 200 7244 or through the club’s official website starting June 17th. With only 1,200 hospitality seats available across all tiers, demand is expected to outstrip supply within hours.
A Year of Tributes, Not Just a Match
This isn’t just one game. It’s the first act in a 12-month testimonial year. A charity auction of Gordon’s personal gear will launch in September. A documentary, produced in partnership with Scottish Television, will premiere in March 2026. A youth coaching initiative named "Gordon’s Goalkeepers" will launch in Edinburgh schools, funded by proceeds from the testimonial.
"It’s not just a tribute to his achievements on the pitch," reads the official testimonial website, craiggordontestimonial.co.uk. "It’s about the professionalism, resilience, and heart he’s shown." That’s the thread running through every event—the quiet dignity of a man who never sought the spotlight but earned it anyway.
What’s Next? The Programme and the Legacy
Two days before the match, on Thursday, July 24th, 2025, Curtis Sport will begin dispatching limited-edition matchday programmes for the game. Each will feature a full career timeline, never-before-seen photos from Gordon’s early days at Hearts, and a personal letter from the man himself. Sunderland’s own programme, announced on July 25th, will include contributions from former teammates like Darren Bent and Wes Brown, who remember Gordon as "the guy who always had time for the kids after training."
As the clock ticks toward July 26th, the question isn’t whether Hearts will win. It’s whether anyone can ever replace what Gordon represents. He’s not just a goalkeeper. He’s the heartbeat of a club that never gave up on him—even when he left. And now, the club won’t let him go without saying thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I book a hospitality package for Craig Gordon’s testimonial match?
Hospitality packages for the Craig Gordon testimonial match go on sale on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025, at 10:00 AM UTC. You can book directly through the Heart of Midlothian FC official website or by calling the Hearts FC Hospitality Team at 0131 200 7244. Three options are available: The Gorgie Suite (£150), Strongbow Legends Lounge (£99), and Skyline Lounge (£199), all inclusive of VAT and a three-course meal.
Why is Sunderland AFC playing in Craig Gordon’s testimonial match?
Sunderland AFC is honored to participate because Gordon played for them from 2007 to 2012, making 169 appearances and helping them reach the 2009 FA Cup Final. He was their first-choice goalkeeper during a pivotal era, and the club considers him one of their most respected players of the last 20 years. His return to Scotland with Sunderland as a Premier League side adds symbolic weight to the occasion.
What makes Craig Gordon’s testimonial different from others in Scottish football?
Gordon’s testimonial stands out because it spans a full year and includes community initiatives, not just a single match. He’s the only Hearts player to reach 330 appearances across two spells, and his record of 100+ clean sheets in European competition is unmatched by any Scottish goalkeeper. The testimonial also involves a youth coaching legacy project, making it both a celebration and an investment in future talent.
Will the match be televised or streamed?
The match will not be broadcast live on national television, as testimonial matches typically aren’t covered under standard broadcasting rights. However, Hearts FC plans to release a full-length highlights package on their official YouTube channel within 48 hours of the match. Additionally, local radio station BBC Radio Scotland will provide live commentary for listeners across Scotland.
Are tickets available for general admission, or only hospitality packages?
Yes, general admission tickets will be available for the match starting June 24th, 2025, priced between £25 and £45 depending on seating. However, hospitality packages are sold separately and include premium amenities. With only 1,200 hospitality spots available, those packages are expected to sell out quickly, while general admission may remain on sale until match day.
What will happen to the proceeds from the testimonial year?
Proceeds from the testimonial will be split between the Craig Gordon Foundation—a charity supporting youth football in Edinburgh—and the Hearts Community Trust, which funds grassroots programs in underprivileged areas of the city. A portion will also go toward renovating the club’s youth training facility, named in Gordon’s honor. The foundation confirmed in June 2025 that over £250,000 has already been pledged from corporate sponsors.
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