Keep following Orrell until you see signs for the DW. Car Park 3 is for season ticket holders, whilst Car Parks 1, 4 and 5 are all open to everyone and require payment upon entry. You may well be able to find on-street parking near to the stadium too, though beware any parking restrictions that might be in place.
Here are some of our favourite choices:. Here are some of our favourites:. There are places to buy a drink and a bite to eat before and during the game as well as programme sellers and kiosks to place a bet.
There are a number of good hospitality options open to you at the DW Stadium, with several lounges to choose from. Here are some details about the most popular offerings:. The DW Stadium offers twelve flexible meeting rooms that can host anything from 5 to people.
The ground is even able to host every part of your wedding day, whether that be your wedding breakfast, the evening party or even the ceremony itself. Despite being the home of both a football and a rugby league club, there are no tours of the DW Stadium at the time of writing. That said, they have given tours on special occasions so you might catch one if you are very lucky. Equally there is no museum for either club that you can go and visit, so sorry about that.
Their final season in the Premier League was one of mixed emotions for their supporters, with the club winning the FA Cup for the first time in its existence at the same time as it was relegated from the top division. The season was also a mixed bag, with Wigan competing in the second-tier of English football at the same time as it was embarking on its first ever European campaign in the UEFA Europa League.
Football has long played second fiddle to rugby in the town of Wigan, with part of that perhaps being down to the lack of success of Wigan Athletic on the field. They steadily progressed through the leagues during the s and early part of the new millennium, winning the Third Division in , the Second Division in and the Championship in Their first season in the Premier League saw them finish a very respectable 10th place in the top-flight as well as reach the final of the League Cup, only to lose to Manchester United at The Millennium Stadium.
Wigan Athletic were earmarked to play in the ground pretty much ever since Whelan bought the club, but Wigan Warriors, the rugby league club, also moved into the stadium a month after it opened in They had previously played their home games at Central Park, much as Wigan Athletic used to call Springfield Park their home. The whole thing was eventually resolved with Wigan paying the costs before later winning a court case to claim them back.
Located just under two miles from the DW is this branch of the Mercure chain of hotels. More details. Walking towards the ground there is a pub on the left called the Orwell which welcomes well behaved away supporters and does a special fans lunch with several menu choices at excellent prices along with competitive beer prices.
The Queens Arms is also nearby the ground and welcomes away fans, as does The Bowling Green which is less than 10 minutes walk away from the ground. It's almost all transnational fast food outlets in the retail park in which the DW is situated. Parking is available at the stadium itself in a large car park situated behind the away fans section. Arrive early and be prepared to leave as quickly as you can is common advice.
Need cheap and convenient parking near the stadium? Get directions to the DW Stadium from your house by entering your post code or location below:. They're both just under 2 miles from the ground and there's no bus service. Refreshments: We went into the away end bar area outside the ground to warm up as it was freezing. This could have caused a massive amount of trouble and was extremely irresponsible stewarding.
We left the ground and followed the crowds back to the train station. We somehow managed to squeeze onto a train full of Stoke fans and were back to Manchester in no time at all. Despite the poor performance we still had a great day out. We rarely expect a Stoke away win, but meeting up with other fans, making a bit of noise and having a few drinks always make up for our typically poor away performances.
If Wigan stay up, then we'll be back next season — hopefully our team decide to turn up too! Well it it was to be my first away game and I had heard good things about the DW, so I thought I'd go. Also it was easy to get a ticket due to the large allocation and early kick-off time. Thankfully I had directions, which was helpful as the stadium wasn't signposted from the station. It was about a 20 minute walk in the rain and through a retail park to get to the stadium.
The walk was not the most aesthetically pleasing one as the road to the retail park appeared to be in the middle of an industrial estate. I went straight to the ground to try and seek shelter from the rain. After purchasing a programme I went towards the Marquee in the North Stand. However the doors were shut and all the cover by the entrance was taken so I had to resort to wall hugging the stand wall to shelter under an outcrop. After asking a steward when it would open, he said "soon" which wasn't that helpful.
Eventually I enetered the Marquee, to find a nice civilised clubhouse style with separate bars for food and drink. Trying to buy a drink was slightly difficult due to the sheer number of people but the staff tried their best especially since one guy ordered 6 pints of Guinniess! I would advise using the toilets in the Marquee before the match rather than in the stadium as they were less busy.
At first I saw the West Stand, which looked quite impressive a bit similar to Brighton's new stadium from the outside. However it did start to go downhill a bit when I saw a faded Wigan Warriors Rugby League sign next to an apparently new Wigan Athletic sign. The North stand was a bit flat and boring from the outside.
They still use the old turnstiles which is quite nice. I had a seat under one of the disabled sections which no-one was in which was one block away from the end. It was good for one side as you had unrestricted views due to the steepness of the seating but you had to lean forward to see the other side when the match was underway as people stand which I fully support. A word of advice, though the North Stand has a roof, it's too high and at the wrong angle to be effective against the rain so you will probably either get wet or find a wet seat awaiting you if it's been raining 5.
The game was quite drab with Arsenal winning from a penalty. The atmosphere was great from the Arsenal fans singing all game and the Wigan fans actually tried to have a go at helping create an atmosphere with a drummer in the East Stand near us, however once Arsenal scored they went quite quiet.
They did have quite an amusing thing where the Wigan fans had an angry reaction for no apparent reason until the ref blew for a free kick about 30 seconds later. The stewards were not needed and seen but not heard. Fair play to them for allowing some Arsenal fans to hang a tribute banner in the closed disabled section.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:. I didn't experience any hassle when leaving and heading for the station in colours.
It was easy as you just retrace your steps and follow the crowds. Cheap tickets and a large away following with a great atmosphere made it very enjoyable.
The game wasn't the best but the result is all that matters. Sunderland always take a good away crowd to most places so I was looking forward to a good day out with a good atmosphere. Wigan is also our second closest away day after Newcastle so this could almost technically be seen as a derby clash!
I have been to the DW once before in defeat and was looking forward to seeing us win there having been on a decent run in the league. Lancashire away days are always days I look forward to. The weather conditions weren't great with heavy snow in the North East during the week, we went down by mini bus and got to Wigan at 1pm. Had a pint in a local pub 10 minutes from the DW then back onto the minibus where we accidentally parked at a fire station!
We were obviously moved on but ended up parking the bus next to the chippy behind the away end! Had a few pints 10 minutes from the DW, can't remember the places name but was friendly and welcoming.
Didn't really interact with many home fans with us getting to the ground at 2. With something that happens at most away grounds, the home fans closest to the away end tend to make suggestive gestures in the direction of the visiting supporters. Wigan was no differente but I'd never take this as a reflection on all the fans! On my previous visit I wasn't that impressed with the DW, this visit done nothing to change my mind.
It's a decent looking stadium, your bog standard new ground with four sides surrounded by a soulless retail park with no pubs. The concourses are very cramped and unorganised, especially with 5, away fans there, in this day and age I really don't think you should have to push and force yourself to get to where you want to be. One other slight grievance I had was the match ticket had the wrong access gate printed on it.
Game was good, Sunderland were up at half time. We made difficult work of it in the second half but scraped the win. Atmosphere from the away end was superb, didn't have any interaction with the stewards other than asking for directions to my seat, they didn't seem to be bothered we were standing the whole game.
I'd read a lot about the Wigan pies beforehand, reviews saying they were some of the best in the country but I have to admit I was disappointed. The Pooles steak pie was pretty tasteless. The queues on the concourse were huge, service was slow and it took me nearly the whole of half time to get served.
The kiosk wasn't very well placed from the area of the ground I was sitting in. After some misinformation on where our bus was now, we eventually got to it. We left when the crowd around us cleared but still took us 10 minutes or so to get out of the DW area.
The DW has it's issues but that's unlikely to change. Wigan away is a good day out like most Lancashire away days, Wigan are a credit to the Premier and they would be missed if they were relegated. This was to be my first away game, so I was very excited about it.
Wigan is one of the shorter distances from Sunderland so it was not such a long journey. I knew that I was going to enjoy it and had been looking forward to it all week.
I know Sunderland take big followings everywhere and after hearing that we sold out tickets within days of going on sale i knew it would be a great atmosphere well at least in the away stand! I left a very snowy north east at 9am on a supporters coach arranged by the Love Supreme fanzine.
It was a bit slow getting out of the north east but when we got past Scotch Corner we were soon flying and we made it to the DW two hours before kick off! The parking was easy a very big away car park.
On the plus side with my coach being there first we parked near the exit so got away after the game in minutes unlike other coaches that quite a bit of time to get out.
When I got off the coach did not really know where to go and followed the crowd of Sunderland fans and ended up in the DW Sports Bar for a few drinks. After that we went in to the Marquee Bar by the away entrance, The Marquee Bar is actually part of the stadium and I thought that this was a great feature of the stadium.
Did not really talk to or interact with any of the home fans except for a few choice words after the game when a few Wigan fans decided to throw snowballs at the coach! To be honest I thought the ground was going to be better as it is a modern stadium, and it was a very 'bog standard' ground with four separate stands. The only thing that stood out for me from the stadium was the Marquee, simply because not a lot of the other grounds have a place such as this for away fans only to go to.
The game was great, with Sunderland being up at half time. It was a bit nervy in the second half with Wigan getting a goal back, but we managed to hold on for a win. The atmosphere from the Sunderland fans was great, singing for the whole game. The Wigan fans who only sang when they scored and that was only from a small group who also possessed a very annoying drum. The stewards were very laid off and let us stand the game with out any problem. They searched my bag on the way in but that is what you expect.
Great day out recommend this to any football fan, great day out great atmosphere and a good laugh. Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the DW Stadium? I had been to the DW Stadium previously in when Liverpool were chasing the Premier League title but threw it away when Lucas gave away a late penalty. As I had not had a chance to go to many games this season I jumped at the chance when I was offered two spare tickets.
Wigan is not that far from Liverpool so I drove, I picked my friend up in Maghull and then it is a straight drive on the M The stadium is easy to get to as there only seems to be one road into Wigan and I parked in a nearby retail park. A lot of the lads I know went by train.
Wigan has trains from Lime Street and Kirkby which arrive at two separate train stations separated by one street. I have been to Wigan town centre a few times before and there are several decent pubs on the main road where the stations are. Most notably and closely one called the Railway. We bought some food from Morrisons in Maghull and ate it on the way.
We parked straight up and then went into the ground. The home fans were fairly friendly and there were lots of families there. At the time Wigan's season tickets were fairly cheap and I have known two Liverpool and Everton fans who have bought them simply to buy more tickets when their teams play Wigan.
Wigan, first and foremost is a rugby town so interest in football is not what it would be in most English cities. I have never seen the ground full but you have to remember they were in the lower leagues for a long time before their meteoric rise and famous FA Cup win. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the DW Stadium? The DW Stadium is decent, some people may call it a "flat pack" stadium but I think it is a fair size and has good facilities.
The Liverpool following was loud and noisy and our stand behind the goal was full, the stand is a bit steep and gives you the impression that you are in a bigger stadium. The concourse is a good size and has big screens showing Sky Sports. I like that there are barriers to make people queue up for their food and drink. It always annoys me when you wait a long time at the bar only for someone to shove in front of you or the person serving you forgets who was next.
Me and my mate said it was like queuing up at Alton Towers. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc.. The home fans were fairly subdued as Liverpool scored in the first few minutes and Liverpool were up at half time.
The place had a few empty seats. Wigan fans started the usual "sign on" chants but Liverpool fans retorted with "you're just a town full of inbreds" and then that was the end of the epic banter and Liverpool fans carried on singing their own songs.
We ended up winning with Luis Suarez scoring a hat trick. Was fairly easy and straightforward as we parked in the retail park. Hardest part was getting out of Wigan but once on the motorway it only took 30 minutes to get back to Maghull. A brilliant win and a much better game than my last visit. Wigan is a very accessible away game and one that I very much enjoyed. It is always good to be going away with all the true fans, so was I was looking forward to another good away day.
I was however unsure about the stadium and area and how it would accommodate for the vast number of Newcastle fans that would be attending. The journey was fine. Motorway then dual carriageway all the way till you hit Wigan wheres its pretty straight forward and well sign posted to the DW Stadium. Parking is a little more difficult as they wouldn't let us park in the retail park next to the stadium so we parked on a side road instead.
Somehow we missed the away fans car park at the stadium itself. Good pub next to the ground where the fans mingled and the Geordies filled out. Since the stadium is located next to a retail park, there are lots of eating places including a chippy, so plenty of opportunities for food. Home fans were no trouble. It is a modern ground, so lacked character, especially when you compare it to older ones in the League.
Decent looking though once you get to your seat. However half time was a bit of a nightmare when going to the toilet. The concourse area under the stand was packed with people and there was a danger that some people could get crushed. Luckily no one was hurt, but a number of fans complained to the stewards about this, saying its dangerous.
Shocking game, Ref was terrible, Enough said there. There was a lack of atmosphere from the home supporters except a small section of home fans who had an annoying drum, however the Newcastle fans created a great atmosphere. Stewards were not too bad, there was the odd cocky one as always. Pies were decent and the prices were okay. Toilets locations were a joke as explained above at half time.
Decent away day, terrible game, average atmosphere, large police numbers outside checking every away fan. Possibility of being dangerous underneath the stands. Would return, but only to see NUFC and not the ground again.
I was looking forward to the game as it was a relatively cheap away. For me, at least, aged 17! Also Wigan had just been relegated from the premier league, so I thought that I would go along to the DW to cheer on the Boro, one of the other reasons i went was because the tickets were very reasonably priced.
The coach parked in a car park about a yards walk from the ground, a quick walk. After that, i bought my programme from a seller, who turned out to be very chatty and jolly, which i thought was nice. The away end was situated in the North Stand. Providing a good view of the action behind the goal. Middlesbrough were attacking the south end in the 1st half. Overall, I thought that it was a thoroughly enjoyable game, end-to-end. It ended in a draw, which was a fair result.
In the first half I sat near the back, whereas for the second half, I got to the front row. There was a large police presence in the away end, after the game, the fans were escorted by police back to the coaches. Smooth journey back to Teesside. I was looking forward to this game, predominantly because Wigan are our local rivals and fixtures between the two clubs have recently been 'hotting up'.
We got off the train at Wigan Wallgate and followed the rest of the Bolton fans. We took a short cut alongside a canal and we found the ground easily. The walk was around 20 minute so it was fairly short. There was a chippy near the stadium, however the queue was huge so we didn't go in, we just went straight onto the ground. The police obviously wanted us in the away end quickly because they were hassling us about not getting into trouble, which was a bit annoying, but it's what you expect on a local derby.
The ground it's self is not too impressive, but by Championship standards it's good. Nothing to write home about really. The away end is just one tier but it's quite high up and I sat right near the back. I prefer the single tier stands because it feels like you're all together in a huge group. We lost the game First half performance was shocking so we deserved it really.
The Bolton fans were in full voice until Wigan's second and there was a corner on the left hand side of the away end where some Wigan fans congregated and sang, the rest were quiet, there was plenty of banter between us and that corner though. However there were some missiles thrown and lots of smoke bombs let off in both stands and a few fans from both teams were ejected which made the atmosphere quite hostile.
We got a police escort from the ground to the station and because trains between Bolton and Wigan are normally comprised of two carriages we had to wait for a bit whilst they added some more carriages to the train, as there was about 1, bolton fans waiting. I encountered no problems but I did hear a lot of police sirens so I guess there was some post-match hostilities somewhere in Wigan. It was probably going to be my last away day of the season so that was the main reason for my excitement.
I'd never been to Wigan before so was looking forward to seeing another new ground, as well as seeing the 4, or so Leeds fans making a racket. From the station, it took about a 20 minute walk to get to the ground, which is fairly easy to find thanks to signposts. I'd heard that one of Wigan's specialties was a "Pie Butty" so I was keen to try it, however I was disappointed to find out the chippy right next to the away end was closed for some unknown reason.
The Leeds fans were given a bar underneath the away end called "The Marquee" to drink in before the game. It was very posh inside and had tele's and the such.
To be honest on the walk to and around the ground there seemed to be more Leeds fans than home one's, but those we came across just minded their own business. I'd seen the ground on tele before so knew what to expect, and wasn't too surprised when I got there.
A plain looking stadium, which has four separate stands all the same height and empty corners which lets the atmosphere escape in my opinion. The away end was standard really, the concourse really should be made bigger as at half time even the stewards couldn't move in it. Leeds lost the game , but in a dull run of form it was one of the better performances we've shown. The atmosphere was poor in the home end, excluding one block next to the Leeds fans who had a drum. Stewards were as friendly as can be expected.
The Leeds fans weren't kept behind, so the walk back to the station was quite crowded, but nothing out of the ordinary. The train back was the funnest part of the day, after discovering Cellino's takeover had gone through, Leeds fans were in good spirits and once we returned to Manchester for the next train, we took the opportunity to tell the station what we thought of the Red side of the city.
A good day out, but strikes me as one of the away days that suits teams with large followings, if there had only be or so away fans, then it wouldn't be much fun. I had never been to the DW Stadium before, so it would be a new ground to visit and another on my tally of watching Leeds around the country. It was a three hour car journey from my home in East Lincolnshire. I found a quiet street to park in near to the DW Stadium near the Fire Station about a ten minute walk away.
I had no problems in finding the ground. There were a few home fans in there who seemed friendly enough, along with a fair few from Leeds. There was no trouble at all before, during or after the game. Dave Whelan though in his pre-match retirement speech did seem to wind up most of the 4, Leeds fans in attendance. It is a pretty good looking ground. All four sides of the stadium have a very similar look to them.
The away end is identical to the home end, but the home end was virtually empty only 11, home fans in the whole ground. The away end was sold out after a week, but there were still about seats kept empty in our end for 'safety reasons' — which is quite baffling really.
The first half was fairly even and the half time score remained goalless. Leeds scored 6 minutes into the second half and from then on it was just about one way traffic towards the Leeds goal for the rest of the game. How Wigan didn't get an equalizer was beyond me; they certainly deserved one, but it ended and we went home with three points!
In spite of the poor attendance by the home support there was a couple of thousand Wigan fans accompanied by a drummer-boy "We're Leeds United, we don't need a drum" who made a decent amount of noise throughout the match. The Leeds fans made their usual amount of racquet throughout the whole game. As for the stewards, well, even though I was right on the front row you barely knew they were there at any time during the match.
So a job well done to the DW Stadium Stewards. I didn't buy any food items; the queues were quite long at half time so didn't bother. Toilets: there was no problem getting to the toilets at any time, even during the half-time interval. There was no queuing at all. The only reason I can imagine that Wigan refuses to sell tickets for all the seats in the away end, is that it took over 5 minutes to empty after the game had ended or it would have taken me at least that long if I hadn't done a hop, step and a jump over the rows of seats to make my exit.
But it takes no longer than 5 minutes to totally empty the Gelderd End at Elland Road; so I don't see why this might be an issue at the DW. It was then a quick walk back to the car and was on the M6 after about 10 minutes and was back home by 8pm. Just one point from the last three games, came just at the wrong time and had dealt a crushing blow to our Play-Off hopes, so much so that 3 points away at relegation threatened Wigan was a must, and even then may not be enough, depending on other results.
The week in the build up to the game had been significant, as Rotherham had been docked 3 points, dragging Wigan right back into the fight for survival. The last time we visited the DW Stadium, we had been relegated from the Premier League, and the Wigan supporters were very keen to rub it in.
It led to a brilliant moment at full time, when a lone Wolves fan ran onto the pitch, scattering about Wigan fans look it up on Youtube. The journey, via Crewe and Warrington, took just over an hour, meaning we were in Wigan for just after half eleven.
The ground is a minute walk from the station. Turn left as you leave the station, underneath a bridge, and follow that road along, past… until you reach an Asda on your right. Go right at the Asda, and you should be able to see the DW Stadium behind a retail park. Firstly we stopped at Burger King, and there was a good mix of home and away supporters in there already. After that we made our way to the Red Robin pub, which was located no more than 2 or 3 minutes away from the stadium.
It was jam packed full of Wolves supporters, as well as the Punjabi Wolves group, and the atmosphere was rocking. I went across to the stadium at about 1, as I was keen to greet the players off the coach. The home and away supporters were mingling, with no animosity, despite the amount that was riding on the fixture. Like a number of stadiums in the Football League, the design of the ground follows a theme in all four stands, so there are few distinct features.
The away end is the North Stand, behind the goal. The away fans are given the entire stand, and with it being the final away game of the season, it was full. Some had even arrived resplendent in fancy dress. I felt the s flash before me as the Power Rangers, Buzz Lightyear and Spongebob all walked past to take their seats for the game. The South Stand opposite is pretty much identical to the North, and similarly, the East and West stands are identical, save for a scoreboard adorning the East Stand.
Wigan came out of the blocks quicker, and former Wolves loanee Jermaine Pennant he of the Electronic Tag forced deputising keeper Tomasz Kuszczak into a fine save, the Pole pushing a fierce drive over the bar.
The majestically named Gaetan Bong was having an influential game for the Latics, capitalising on the lack of width on the Wolves right to maraud forward whenever possible. Fortunately, Wolves had Dominic Iorfa at right back, who was coping admirably. Scott Golbourne found space on the left, but was brought crashing down by Emmerson Boyce, who was booked.
Bakary Sako fizzed in a scorcher of a free kick right onto the head of the prolific Benik Afobe, who scored his 13th Wolves goal in just his 20th appearance. James McClean was having a lively game for the hosts, and he found room on the edge of the area, having wriggled away from Ethan Ebanks-Landell.
His shot was wayward though. Kevin McDonald broke forward and curled a low effort towards goal, but straight at Carson. The final action of the game saw McClean receive a second yellow card, following a late clattering of Richard Stearman, who was outstanding for Wolves. The home atmosphere did feel a little flat, and just from looking, I would say the home ends were only half full. There was a group of rowdy Wiganers congregated in the East Stand, exchanging pleasentries with the Wolves fans.
But who the bleep is laughing now? Not too shabby…. But, having experienced League One last season, the DW will provide one of the better experiences for visiting fans next season. This was my first visit to the DW Stadium for a number of years. I was looking forward to seeing how we dealt with the challenge of playing against a team who were two divisions higher than us last season. The ground isn't easy to find. I would advise travelling fans to give themselves plenty of time.
Follow the signs for Robin Park. The stadium car parks aren't well-signposted but there is ample space. I walked around the vast retail park for a while. There are several food outlets which provide a cheaper alternative to the catering within the stadium.
There was no visible animosity between supporters before the game. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium? The DW Stadium is large, functional and characterless. The away stand is situated behind one goal. Like the other stands, it is very steep — it may cause difficulties for fans with balance problems.
There is ample leg room. The stand behind the opposing goal mirrored ours. The Main Stand was situated to our right. It contained corporate facilities. The stand to our left accommodated the noisier Wiganers. There is little to distinguish one stand from another. League Cup games are usually low-key affairs. However, this game was played at a high tempo. Wigan took a deserved lead immediately after half-time but a couple of substitutions changed the balance of the game and led to our equalizer.
We won the game via a last-minute penalty. There was an adequate atmosphere but the crowd of 5, including Shakers fans wasn't large enough to generate a lot of noise. Stewarding was low-key and friendly. The facilities were modern, clean and well-maintained. I was able to get away from the ground fairly quickly. However, there is only one road out of the complex and I suspect it will become very congested when a large crowd is in attendance.
A good day for us. We have an appalling record in cup competitions so any win is welcomed. The DW Stadium needs big crowds to make it into a notable venue. This was to be the first time that I had seen a game played outside Scotland.
Plus as we were visiting Wigan I was interested to attend a match and see the stadium. Trains to Wigan seem pretty straightforward on the West Coast Mainline can speak for other directions , but after that it's a bit of a trek from the town centre to the ground, deceptively longer than you'd think especially on a cold day!
But, leaving and heading back through the retail park at Robin Park is a lot easier. Faffed about in a shopping centre with my other half, visiting the Wigan Warriors giftshop and getting my toddler a Warriors top for less than a fiver! For a smallish ground, it feels a lot bigger.
The atmosphere was alright for the level of game having been to Old Firm games in my time, I appreciate it's all relative and the stewarding was pretty friendly. I have at times an irritable bowel, so toilets at grounds are a big thing for me — The facilities at the DW were super. As for the game then it was tight with Wigan winning by the only goal of the match. Crowds flow out easily enough, though you take your life in your hands at the point where the nearby Asda supermarket car park meets the main road!
I was pretty impressed with the DW Stadium and the club and would say it's worth dropping in if in the area.
This was the final league game of the season for both teams. Wigan were already the league champions and Barnsley needed a good result to remain in the play-offs. This would be my second time to the DW Stadium, and I knew it was a good ground. I decided to take the car this time around having been on the supporters bus before. It was very easy to find and well signposted.
There is a bar beside the away end turnstiles called The Marquee, which serves everything from beer and lager to tea and coffees plus various refreshments.
There were stewards on the door who were very pleasant and helpful. I was very impressed with the DW Stadium.
It was a great game from a Barnsley point of view coming out winners, and making the play-offs. I suppose Wigan could have played better but they had nothing to play for having been crowned champions.
It was very easy getting away from the ground but perhaps that was because the match was played on a Sunday instead of Saturday, so there was only the football traffic to worry about, not the Saturday shoppers. Derby were hitting a run of form and I found myself travelling to more away games this season.
I had never been to the DW Stadium or indeed Wigan before. I went by train and arrived at Wigan North Western. It was about a 15 minute walk to the DW Stadium, which wasn't very well signposted, but I found it by simply following the other supporters!
I arrived at the ground about an hour before kick off and went into the "Marquee pub" for a Pint. It had no television, but I still found it a nice gesture from Wigan to make an away pub at the stadium.
I found the DW Stadium a bit lacking in character and a bit boxy. However it was a neat functional ground with a nice rake on the stands. I did however find that the concourse was a bit of a squeeze for the large travelling support.
The atmosphere was mainly generated by the away support, although the home fans did get their voice together when Will Grigg was introduced in the second half.
The game itself was a bit dull, Derby took the lead through a Bradley Johnson header in the first half and held on to it for the rest of the game. We walked away from the ground the same way as we came, and found that a section of it was unlit making it impossible to see and leading to a few people falling over. We did however make it back to the railway station were the locals were very helpful.
The DW Stadium wasn't the best away trip I've ever been on, but it was by no means bad, and a win is a win. I have been to the DW Stadium before and found it to be a good day out.
Also it is easy ground for me to get to as I live in Stoke. I very easy. I drove up the M6, joining at Junction 15 and getting off at Junction From there it is about a ten minute drive to the DW Stadium. As you approach the stadium, turn left by the Pizza Hut and there is plenty of street parking to be found.
From this area it is also very easy to get away after the match too. From where I parked it was a case of just crossing the road to get to a nice pub called the Red Robin. This is only about two minutes walk away from the DW and welcomes away fans. The pub also serves food, so we had a nice lunch and a couple of drinks. We then went for a wander around the small retail park located next to the ground. The DW Stadium is modern but lacks. Inside the concourse is ample with plenty of food and drink kiosks and I must say the toilets are probably the cleanest and nicest of any away ground I've ever seen.
The stands are quite steep and the seats a bit tight but the view is excellent. The game was no classic. Derby won , but only because Wigan were so poor.
The stewards were helpful and pleasant.
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