From Wigan Athletic’s foundation in 1932, the club spent 67 years playing at their former home – Springfield Park – until they were moved into the brand new £30m JJB Stadium at the end of the 1998/99 season. It was a long overdue move and was the fourth attempt at either redeveloping Springfield Park or relocating entirely. Compared to other grounds in the Premier League, the JJB stadium isn't particularly large or unique, like many of the modern off-the-shelf stadiums. This ground was an important part of Chairman Dave Whelan's dream of getting the Latics promoted into the top flight of English football.
The club first announced the proposed development on the Robin Park Complex in late 1997, just two years after Whelan had purchased the club for £1m. He immediately stated his intention to take Wigan, who were plying their trade in the fourth tier of the English game, to the very top division. His takeover of the club came after former Chairman Stephen Gage reluctantly called an end to his plans to relocate the club to Robin Park Stadium – a plan he had spent over two years organising but was unable to get the council’s permission. The idea of building a 25,000 capacity stadium was a massive statement by the new owner at the time.
The stadium has always been known as the JJB as it does not have a local name, unlike many stadiums. It is set to change its name for the start of the 2009/10 season as the initial naming rights sponsorship of the ground has run for the agreed 10 years. It was announced in March 2009 that the JJB would in future be known as the DW Stadium, after DW Sports Fitness.Com. This is the latest business venture by Athletic’s Chairman after he purchased a chain of fitness centres from his former company, JJB Sports – the club’s current sponsor and the company that made Whelan his fortune.
The JJB is a perfectly functional football stadium, but it does seem to lack a certain uniqueness that can be found at other, older grounds. It is very similar in design to Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium, with both having been built by Alfred McAlpine. The stadium itself is made up of 4 separate rectangular stands, each of a similar height, based on cantilevered, prefabricated steel roof and terracing structuring. Unusually for a modern all-seater stadium it is not fully enclosed, the corners have not been filled in, and there is distinct lack of corporate boxes present.
As the stadium is sponsored overall none of the individual stands are named, although Adidas did sponsor the East stand as part of their kit deal with Wigan Warriors. Away fans are located in the North Stand which can accommodate up to 5400 supporters.
The ground was always built to house football and Rugby matches as, at the time of development, grants were only being issued for multi-use stadia. Orrell RUFC were originally planned to be the second tenants of the JJB, but when Whelan bought rugby league side Wigan Wanderers, it was they who became the cohabiters. Orrell did have a brief spell the JJB Stadium in 2003, as part of this sports empire, but since this time the rugby union side has collapsed with 2007 being its final year.
Key Information
Full Name: JJB Stadium / DW Stadium
Colloquially known as: The JJB
Opened: 1999
Cost: £30m
Capacity: 25,135
Owner: Whelco Holdings
Tenants: Wigan Athletic FC & Wigan Warriors RLFC
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