JJB Stadium, Wigan

Correspondent

JJB Stadium
Robin Park
Loire Drive
Wigan
Lancashire
WN5 0UZ

Home to: Wigan Warriors (Super League), Wigan Athletic (Football Premiership)
Capacity: 25,004
Opened: 1999

Facilities: The stadium is all seater with a capacity of 25,000 and there are excellent facilies around the ground. Each of the stands has two large refreshment kiosks in the concourse where you can buy beer, soft drinks, pies, hot food etc. All of the turnstiles are linked to a main computer so that the club can track season ticket holders. Therea re 48 turnstiles meaning easy access to the ground. There are 276 disabled spaces within the stadium, with lift and wheel chair access.

Impressions: The steep stands give a great view and the pitch is always in great condition. The funds provided by Dave Whelan help maintain the stadium and keep it as its superb level. The atmosphere is surprisingly good, despite the fact the corners aren't closed in at this ground.

Records: The record crowd at the ground is 25,004, for the game between Wigan Warriors and arch rivals St Helens.

History: The JJB Stadium was opened on the 4th of August 1999 when Wigan Athletic welcomed Manchester United in a high profile friendly match. Wigan staged their first game a month later on the 19th of September when Castleford were the visitors for the first round of the Super League pay-offs. The Tigers spoilt the party by running out 14-10 winners. However, the JJB has become a hit with the vast majority of Wigan fans, and has also become a regular home for Great Britain matches. In addition the ground is now a home for Premiership soccer after Athletic’s promotion in 2005. That was also the year when Wigan sold out the ground for the visit of St Helens on the 25th of March, claiming a 22-20 victory in a fantastic game of rugby league. Wigan’s previous home had been Central Park, and the famous old ground held a great many memories for the Wiganers – not least the night when Wigan beat manly 8-2 to claim the World Club Championship in front of 36,895. Central Park saw Wigan become the most successful club in the country, and staged its last game in front of 18,179 on the 5th of September 1999, when Saints suffered a 28-20 loss.

Ticket Prices: Adults £14-£18, Concessions £10-£13

Directions: From the North
Exit the M6 at junction 26 and follow the signs for Wigan. Turn right at the traffic lights at the top of the slip road and then follow the road through Pemberton for about 2 miles until you reach the road junction near Aldi. Turn left at these traffic lights, and then proceed along this road, turning right at the second set of lights into Scot Lane. You should enter the Robin Park Complex with the JJB Stadium ahead of you.

From the South
Exit the M6 at junction 25, and then follow A49 to Wigan. Go straight on at the next roundabout, toward Wigan. Continue until you reach a major road junction, and then follow the road bend left keeping in the left hand lane and then right as you come around the bend turning left at the lights. Continue along this road and then turn right at the second set of lights into Scot Lane. You should enter the Robin Park Complex with the JJB Stadium ahead of you.
We have been asked to point out that parking within other area's of the Robin Park complex can result in you getting a ticket!

Car Parking: There is a car park at the ground, but also a retail park nearby. Further out there is an ASDA, but also plenty of side streets for parking. Be careful though, as retail parks and supermarkets may close their car parks before the end of matches, particularly on Friday, and may clamp down on Rugby fans.

Local Pubs: Champions Bar
Welcomes away fans and is usually jam packed as it is opposite the West side of the stadium.

The Red Robin
Great food and a good atmosphere. Strictly for home fans though!

Fans View: A great all round experience – parking, seating, facilities, food, drink and quality rugby league.