31.01.2010
// THE DW STADIUM
The DW Stadium is the home of Wigan Warriors Rugby League and Wigan Athletic Football Club.The Stadium was formerly called the JJB Stadium and changed its name on the 1st August 2009.
Owned by Dave Whelan, the Stadium is state of the art and provides excellent facilities for fans and corporate guests alike.
On (Good) Friday 25th March 2005, Wigan Warriors set a new Super League record crowd when 25,004 supporters packed into the DW Stadium for the huge local derby against St Helens (kick off 12.30pm). The Warriors took the record of 24,020 off Bradford Bulls, who in September 1999 filled their Odsal Stadium for the visit of Leeds Rhinos.
And in 2007, on Good Friday (6th April), the Warriors also set the second highest ever crowd to watch a Super League game when 24,028 fans sold out the game against St Helens over a week in advance (the capacity was slightly reduced as unreserved seating in the South and North Stands reduced capacity as per safety regulations).
The previous biggest crowds at the DW Stadium for Warriors matches were both also set against St Helens, with 21,790 on 3rd October 2003 and 21,073 on 23rd April 2001.
Situated just outside the town centre the Stadium seats for just over 25,000 fans with the Warriors averaging approximately 15,000 fans.
In the Gillette Tri-Nations Tournament of 2004, on 13/11/04 Great Britain v Australia attracted a full house of 25,004 at the DW Stadium, a game which GB won 24-12.
Wigan Warriors played their first game at the DW on 19th September 1999 in the Super League play offs. Unfortunately for the 13,374 spectators, Wigan lost 10-14 to Castleford Tigers.
The Stadium is operated by Wigan Football Company Ltd, a management company independant from the tenants, set up to operate the facility on a day-to-day basis.