A trip to Wigan Athletic offers a modern North West football away day experience, combining a compact stadium, passionate fans, and a welcoming town atmosphere. The DW Stadium, home of the Latics since 1999, provides excellent facilities for travelling supporters. Beyond football, Wigan offers pubs, restaurants, and attractions to make a full day out for visiting fans.

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Getting There

Wigan is located in Greater Manchester, with good transport links by train, road, and coach.

• By Train: The nearest station is Wigan North Western or Wigan Wallgate, both about 1.5 miles from the DW Stadium. Direct trains run from Manchester (30 minutes), Liverpool (50 minutes), and Preston (30 minutes). From the station, fans can walk, take a taxi, or catch a local bus to the stadium.
• By Car: The stadium is accessible via the M6, M58, and A49. Matchday traffic can build, so pre-booking parking (£5–£10) or arriving early is recommended. There are official stadium car parks, while street parking nearby is limited.
• By Coach: Away coaches are dropped off at the designated away entrance, providing a safe and convenient route for travelling supporters.

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Where to Drink

Wigan has a welcoming pub scene suitable for pre-match drinks.

• Near the Ground: Pubs such as The DW Tavern and The Latics Arms are within walking distance of the stadium and friendly to away supporters.
• Town Centre: About a 15-minute walk or short bus ride, Wigan town centre offers pubs along Market Place, Standishgate, and Wallgate. The Falcon and The Vine are popular with away fans for their lively atmosphere.
• Alternative Options: For quieter pre-match drinks, pubs around Mesnes Park or along Wigan Lane provide a more relaxed setting.

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The Ground: DW Stadium

The DW Stadium is a modern, all-seater venue with a capacity of around 25,000. Its compact design ensures excellent sightlines and a lively atmosphere for away supporters.

• Away Section: Visiting fans are located in the South Stand, with an allocation of around 3,000. The stand is fully covered and close to the pitch, allowing chants to carry effectively.
• Facilities: Concessions serve pies, burgers, hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks. Alcohol is available in designated areas. Toilets are modern and functional, though queues may form near kickoff. Staff are experienced and welcoming to travelling supporters.

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Food Options

Wigan offers a variety of food options for fans before or after the match.

• Near the Ground: Local takeaways sell traditional matchday food such as burgers, kebabs, and chips. The DW Tavern also provides pub meals for fans wanting a sit-down option.
• Town Centre: Wigan town centre has restaurants and cafés serving British, Indian, Italian, and Chinese cuisine. Chains such as Wetherspoons, Greggs, and Subway are available for quick meals.
• Local Specialties: Wigan is famous for its pies — sampling a traditional Wigan pie is a must for any visiting fan.

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Making a Weekend of It

Wigan has plenty to explore if staying overnight or making a weekend of the trip.

• Nightlife: The town centre offers pubs, bars, and casual restaurants along Market Place and Standishgate. The Falcon and The Vine are popular post-match venues for visiting supporters.
• Culture & Attractions: Wigan boasts The DW Stadium Museum, Museum of Wigan Life, and Mesnes Park. Fans can also enjoy canal walks or explore the surrounding countryside.
• Day Trips: Manchester and Liverpool are both accessible within an hour by train, offering shopping, nightlife, and cultural attractions.

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Away Day Tips

• Arrive Early: Streets around the stadium can get busy on matchdays. Arriving at least 90 minutes before kickoff allows time to settle in.
• Drink in the Right Areas: Stick to pubs near the stadium or town centre venues for a safe pre-match experience.
• Dress for the Weather: Greater Manchester weather can be unpredictable — layers and waterproofs are recommended.
• Engage with the Atmosphere: The South Stand is compact and close to the pitch, allowing away fans to make a noticeable impact with chants and songs.

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Final Whistle

A Wigan Athletic away day combines modern stadium facilities with a lively town and plenty of options for pre- and post-match activities. The DW Stadium is welcoming to travelling supporters, while Wigan town centre provides pubs, restaurants, and local attractions to make a full day out.

From pre-match pints near the stadium to cheering your team in the South Stand, to exploring the Museum of Wigan Life or enjoying a canal-side walk afterwards, a trip here blends football, culture, and local character. Wigan Athletic is a rewarding destination for any travelling supporter seeking a complete and enjoyable away day in the North West.