Are You Going To Wigan?
Last updated : 14 October 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor
(Provided by
www.TalkOfTheTyne.net)
GROUND - JJB STADIUM
For those who have visited Springfield Park but not yet the JJB Stadium, trust me, there is a marked difference. It is very similar to Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium, for those who have ever been there. Away fans are located in part of the Adidas (East Stand) at one side of the pitch. Normally 4,000 seats are available, but they can give up the whole Stand for cup ties. It is a good Stand to make a noise and create atmosphere, and the view is great.
GETTING THERE
Leave the M6 at Junction 26 and follow the signs for Wigan town centre (this road meets the A49) then turn left into Robin Park/Scot Lane where the ground is down Scot Lane on the right.
WIGAN FANS
Do they have any? Obviously 20,000 have suddenly come out of the woodwork. On one Toon message board one told me he had been to SJP twice, so I wonder who he was supporting those days. Apparently Wigan is known for the "Northern Soul" craze(?) that never took off anywhere else in the country. It's a dance inspired by Morris Dancers, and apparently the fashion started in Wigan in the mid-1970s and only faded out last year (according to one Wigan fan), which probably shows - more than anything else - how BAD the nightlife is in this part of the country.
PUBS
A new bar called Champions is directly opposite the main entrance to the JJB. The Red Robin is a couple of minutes from the ground opposite the Cinema Complex, another that lets in away fans is The Orwell at Wigan Pier, situated on the canal side.
TRAIN
Wigan's central stations are a good 20 minute walk from the ground. Take a taxi.
Saturday 15th October 2005
Wigan v Newcastle 12.45 (Live on PPV)
Chelsea v Bolton 15.00
Liverpool v Blackburn 15.00
Sunderland v Man Utd 15.00
Tottenham v Everton 15.00
West Brom v Arsenal 15.00
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth 17.15 (Live on Sky)
