The DW Stadium is a purpose-built sports ground in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England, best known as the shared home of Wigan Athletic (association football) and Wigan Warriors (rugby league). Opened in 1999, it replaced the older stadiums used by both clubs and established a compact, modern venue for professional matches and community events. For a basic orientation and map see the location guide: location and directions.
Layout and facilities
The stadium was designed with separate stands on each side of the pitch to give spectators close sightlines. It offers seated accommodation for supporters, corporate and hospitality areas, media facilities and changing rooms suitable for both football and rugby configurations. Accessibility information and spectator services are described in club and stadium visitor pages: visitor information and accessibility details. Matchday catering and merchandise outlets are typically operated by the clubs and local concession partners.
History and naming
When the ground opened in 1999 it was known as the JJB Stadium, taking its name from a sportswear retailer that held the initial naming rights. In 2009 the name changed to the DW Stadium following a commercial transaction in which the stadium naming rights transferred alongside a new fitness business; that event and the broader timeline are reviewed in historical summaries and local archives: stadium history and naming timeline. The venue has since been synonymous with the town's two main professional teams.
Events, uses and importance
Primary uses are league and cup matches for Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors. The stadium also hosts occasional one-off fixtures, youth and academy games, community sport, and seasonal events such as charity matches. A short list of typical events includes:
- Professional league football matches — home fixtures and selected cup ties (Wigan Athletic information).
- Rugby league home matches and playoff fixtures (Wigan Warriors information).
- Community and youth sport fixtures, and non-sport events when scheduled (events and bookings).
Beyond regular competition the stadium contributes to local economic activity on matchdays and serves as a focal point for supporters' culture.
Visiting, transport and tickets
Travel options to the ground include rail and bus services to stations and stops within walking distance, and matchday parking arrangements managed locally. For single-event tickets, season passes and hospitality packages consult official ticketing pages: ticket office and hospitality & corporate. Safety, bag policies and turnstile procedures are published ahead of matchdays to help visitors plan their arrival: matchday guidance and stadium rules.
Notable facts: the DW Stadium is one of the relatively few purpose-built venues in the North West to host both professional football and rugby league clubs. Its creation reflected late-20th-century moves toward modern, all-seater stadia in English sport, and its naming history illustrates how commercial sponsorship and local ownership can shape a venue's identity.