The DW Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in the town of Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. It is primarily used for hosting football (soccer) matches, but it has also been used for rugby league and rugby union matches, as well as for concerts and other events. The stadium was built in 1999 and opened in 2000, replacing Wigan’s former stadium, Springfield Park. It has a seating capacity of 25,138, making it one of the larger stadiums in the English Football League.
The stadium is home to Wigan Athletic Football Club, which plays in League One, the third tier of English football. The stadium has also been used by the Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club, as well as by the English national rugby league team and the England women’s national football team. The name “DW Stadium” comes from the stadium’s sponsor, the DW Sports Fitness company, which was founded by former Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan. The stadium has also been known as the JJB Stadium and the Robin Park Arena in the past, depending on the sponsor at the time.
In addition to sports events, the DW Stadium has also hosted concerts by artists such as Elton John, Bon Jovi, and The Who.
DW Stadium History
The DW Stadium was built to replace Wigan Athletic’s old stadium, Springfield Park, which had become outdated and no longer met modern safety standards. The construction of the new stadium was funded in part by a grant from the UK government’s Football Trust. The stadium was designed by architects Alfred McAlpine and Partners and built by the construction firm Birse. It cost around £30 million to build and took approximately two years to complete.
The DW Stadium officially opened on 4 August 1999, with a friendly match between Wigan Athletic and Morecambe. The first competitive match played at the stadium was a League Cup match between Wigan Athletic and Scunthorpe United on 15 August 1999. The stadium was initially named the JJB Stadium, after its sponsor, the JJB Sports company, which was founded by former Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan. The name was changed to the DW Stadium in 2009, following the rebranding of JJB Sports to DW Sports Fitness.
In addition to hosting football matches, the stadium has also been used for rugby league and rugby union matches. Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club played their home matches at the stadium between 1999 and 2021. The stadium has also been used by the English national rugby league team and the England women’s national football team. The DW Stadium has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years, including the installation of a new pitch, a new scoreboard, and improved disabled access. Despite financial struggles and relegations from the Premier League, Wigan Athletic continue to call the DW Stadium their home, and it remains a popular venue for sports events and concerts.
DW Stadium Seating Plan 2024
The DW Stadium has a seating capacity of 25,138 and features four main stands: the West Stand, the East Stand, the North Stand, and the South Stand. The stands are named based on their location relative to the pitch.
Here is a breakdown of the seating plan for each stand:
- West Stand: The West Stand is the main stand at the DW Stadium and is where the team dugouts are located. It has two tiers of seating, with the upper tier providing excellent views of the pitch. The lower tier of the West Stand is often used for away supporters.
- East Stand: The East Stand is located opposite the West Stand and also has two tiers of seating. The upper tier is often used by home supporters, while the lower tier is used for family seating.
- North Stand: The North Stand is behind one of the goals and has a single tier of seating. This stand is often used by the most vocal and passionate home supporters.
- South Stand: The South Stand is located behind the opposite goal and also has a single tier of seating. This stand is typically reserved for away supporters.
In addition to these four main stands, the DW Stadium also has a number of hospitality boxes and executive suites that offer premium seating and amenities. The seating at the DW Stadium provides a great viewing experience for fans, with excellent sightlines and comfortable seating throughout the stadium.
DW Stadium Ticket Price 2024
The ticket prices for matches at the DW Stadium vary depending on the competition, the opposition, and the location of the seats within the stadium.
For Wigan Athletic’s home matches, the ticket prices usually range from £20 to £28 for adults, with concessions available for seniors (over 65), young adults (18-21), and juniors (under 18). Family tickets are also available, which offer discounted rates for adults and children.
For rugby league matches, the ticket prices are usually similar to those for football matches, depending on the competition and the opposition.
For concerts and other events, the ticket prices vary widely depending on the artist, the demand for tickets, and the location of the seats within the stadium.
It’s important to note that ticket prices can change based on various factors, and the best way to get up-to-date information on ticket prices is to check the official website or ticket office of the DW Stadium.
DW Stadium Ticket Booking Process 2024
Here are the general steps for booking tickets for an event at DW Stadium:
- Visit the official website of the DW Stadium or the official ticketing partner for the event.
- Select the event you would like to attend and choose the date and time of the event.
- Choose the location of the seats within the stadium based on the seating plan provided. Some events may offer general admission, while others may offer specific seating options.
- Select the number of tickets you would like to purchase, along with any additional options such as parking or hospitality packages.
- Enter your personal information, including your name, address, email address, and payment details.
- Review the order summary to ensure that all details are correct.
- Complete the payment process and wait for confirmation of your booking.
- After receiving the confirmation, print or save your tickets to present them at the stadium entrance on the day of the event.
It’s important to note that the exact booking process may vary depending on the event and the ticketing partner. Some events may require additional information or may have specific terms and conditions for ticket purchases. Therefore, it’s always recommended to check the event’s official website or ticketing partner for specific instructions on how to book tickets.\
DW Stadium Parking Options
The DW Stadium has several parking options available for visitors attending events at the venue. Here are some details:
- Stadium Parking: The DW Stadium has a large on-site car park with a capacity of over 2,000 vehicles. The car park is located adjacent to the stadium and is accessible from Stadium Way. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be purchased in advance or on the day of the event. The cost of parking varies depending on the event and can be found on the event’s official website.
- Off-Site Parking: There are several off-site parking options available near the stadium, including the Robin Retail Park and the nearby Wigan Wallgate train station. These car parks are within walking distance of the stadium and offer a more affordable parking option.
- Disabled Parking: The stadium has a limited number of designated disabled parking spaces available in the on-site car park. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis and require a valid disabled parking permit.
It’s important to note that parking can be limited during busy events, so it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a parking spot. Additionally, some events may have specific parking arrangements, so it’s always best to check the event’s official website for specific parking information and any alternative travel options that may be available.
How to Reach DW Stadium
The DW Stadium is located in Wigan, Greater Manchester, in the North West of England. Here are some ways to reach the stadium:
- By Car: The DW Stadium is located just off Junction 25 of the M6 motorway, making it easily accessible by car. The stadium’s address is Loire Drive, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN5 0UZ. There is ample parking available at the stadium, as well as off-site parking options nearby.
- By Train: The nearest train station to the DW Stadium is Wigan North Western, which is located approximately 2.5 miles from the stadium. From the train station, you can take a taxi or a bus to the stadium. Alternatively, you can take a train to Wigan Wallgate station, which is located approximately 1.5 miles from the stadium.
- By Bus: There are several bus routes that serve the DW Stadium, including 600, 601, 619, and 625. These buses run from Wigan town center and surrounding areas to the stadium.
- By Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Wigan and can be easily booked in advance or hailed on the street. The journey from Wigan town center to the DW Stadium takes approximately 10 minutes by taxi.
It’s recommended to plan your journey in advance and check the event’s official website for any specific travel information related to the event you are attending.
DW Stadium Facilities
The DW Stadium offers a range of facilities to visitors attending events at the venue. Here are some of the main facilities:
- Seating: The stadium has a seating capacity of over 25,000 and offers excellent views of the pitch from all areas.
- Concourses: The stadium has spacious concourse areas with a wide range of food and beverage options available.
- Hospitality: The stadium has a range of hospitality options available, including executive boxes, lounges, and suites, which offer a more exclusive experience for visitors.
- Merchandise: There are several merchandise outlets located around the stadium selling a range of team merchandise and souvenirs.
- Wi-Fi: The stadium offers free Wi-Fi access throughout the venue, allowing visitors to stay connected during events.
- Disabled Facilities: The stadium has dedicated facilities for disabled visitors, including wheelchair-accessible seating, accessible toilets, and parking spaces.
- First Aid: There are first aid stations located around the stadium, with trained medical staff available to assist visitors in case of injury or illness.
- Family Facilities: The stadium has a range of family-friendly facilities, including a designated family stand, baby changing facilities, and family-friendly food options.
- Car Parking: The stadium has a large on-site car park with a capacity of over 2,000 vehicles, as well as off-site parking options nearby.
It’s recommended to check the event’s official website for any specific facilities or services related to the event you are attending.
