How a local stadium became the heartbeat of Wigan's sporting and community life

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Opened in 1999, the Brick Community Stadium serves as the shared home for Wigan’s professional football and rugby league clubs. Beyond its role as a premier sporting venue, the stadium has navigated corporate shifts, legal battles over policing costs, and a recent rebranding to support local charitable efforts.

The Brick Community Stadium, located in Robin Park, Wigan, was constructed by Alfred McAlpine and officially opened in 1999. It replaced the long-standing homes of Wigan Athletic and the Wigan Warriors, Springfield Park and Central Park, respectively. The stadium features a seating capacity of 25,138 across four single-tier stands. Its design utilizes prefabricated steel roof and terrace structures, leaving the four corners of the arena exposed. The pitch itself is engineered to accommodate both football and rugby league requirements, incorporating 2% synthetic materials for stability alongside natural grass.

The venue has undergone several identity changes, reflecting the shifting landscape of commercial sponsorship. Initially known as the JJB Stadium, it became the DW Stadium in 2009 before adopting its current name, the Brick Community Stadium, in May 2024. This latest title honors a partnership with a local charity dedicated to addressing homelessness and poverty. Throughout its history, the stadium has been a site of significant drama, including a 2005 standoff between Dave Whelan and Greater Manchester Police over unpaid policing costs, which threatened to force matches behind closed doors.

As a sporting hub, the stadium has hosted international rugby league matches, including fixtures during the Tri-Nations series and various European tours. It has also witnessed the rise of its resident teams, with Wigan Athletic climbing to the Premier League and the Wigan Warriors securing multiple Super League Grand Final titles. The stadium's record attendance of 25,133 was set on May 11, 2008, during a match between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United. Today, the facility continues to serve as a central pillar for the community, with both clubs committed to securing long-term commercial partnerships to ensure its future beyond 2025.

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