Former Sunderland chairman Bob Murray will be inducted into the club's hall of fame at half-time during Saturday's game against Brighton.
He is the club's longest serving chairman, having been in charge from 1986 to 2006.
A club statement read: "A lifelong supporter of Sunderland AFC, Sir Bob's vision and leadership helped shape the club's modern identity.
"Most notably, he played a pivotal role in delivering the Stadium of Light, transforming the former Wearmouth Colliery site into a world-class home for the club after Sunderland outgrew its historic home at Roker Park.
"Beyond the stadium itself, Sir Bob also championed investment in the club's long-term future through the creation of the Academy of Light and later the Beacon of Light – the home of the Foundation of Light, which supports thousands of people across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham every year."
Ex-Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini, speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, said: "I think I was his first signing. Bob's a good friend.
"He delivered the stadium, built at a fraction of the cost of similar ones. The Academy of Light is a spectacular place. We used to train up there, it was a field. We had to cancel training once because it was so windy and wet.
"To turn that into what it is now, the foresight is incredible. A great guy. He's one of the most humble people you could meet."
Murray also had a role in the development of the home stadium and training centre of English football.
"Wembley and St George's Park were going nowhere, they'd run out of money and anyone to drive them forward," said Gabbiadini.
"Bob, it was like calling for Superman. He came in and helped those get delivered."
Listen to BBC Radio Newcastle’s discussion on Murray here or hit play below
