Wigan’s DW Stadium renamed as The Brick

Article posted by Coliseum, May 14^th, 2024

Image: Wigan Athletic

The DW Stadium in Wigan, England has changed its name to the Brick Community Stadium.

Wigan Athletic said the renaming of the town’s historic multi-sports stadium is in partnership with local charity, The Brick. The name will initially remain in place until the end of 2025.

The EFL’s Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors of the rugby league Super League, who share the stadium, will continue to work together to secure a long-term commercial stadium partner for 2026 and beyond.

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The Brick Community Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Robin Park in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. Its current capacity is 25,133 seated in four single-tier stands

The Brick’s work began over 100 years ago to improve the lives of those in the town most in need.

The Brick delivers effective solutions to address poverty and homelessness across the Wigan and Leigh Borough, providing supported and emergency accommodation services, street outreach services, wrap-around person-led support, a food community, and affordable furniture and essential household items to make a house a home.

The inspirational charity, which was Latics’ Official Charity Partner in both 2017/18 and 2018/19, has a long-standing affiliation with the Football Club, collectively raising much-needed funds to help people who are homeless, in poverty, or facing a debt crisis.

In addition to the name change, both clubs will be working closely with The Brick to explore ways in which the partnership can be developed to have a positive impact on the town.

Both Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors said they are grateful for the contribution of Dave Whelan to both clubs since he became involved with Wigan Athletic in 1995 and Wigan Warriors in 1997. His statue continues to take pride of place at the front of the West Stand Reception.

The new ownership recognises that it is the people of the town who are at the heart of the community and who are the driving force of both clubs who will continue to integrate through the Wigan Athletic Community Trust and Wigan Warriors Community Foundation.

Wigan Athletic Chairman, Ben Goodburn said: “Day-to-day, The Brick has been delivering inspirational work and making a real difference to the lives of people in Wigan for over a century.

“The Stadium is a spiritual home for so many of our loyal fans across both clubs, many of whom will have been, in some way, impacted by the positive work of The Brick. As an ownership group, we are hugely passionate about serving and supporting our local community as we look to help make a positive impact on the lives of our town’s residents.

“We therefore see this partnership with The Brick as the perfect fit and one we take great pride in.”

Wigan Warriors Chief Executive, Kris Radlinski MBE added: “The Brick charity has been a cornerstone of Wigan, transforming and influencing countless lives over many years. Naming the stadium in Wigan after their charity is a suitable tribute to their significant impact on the community.

“The renaming marks the beginning of our collaboration on meaningful projects aimed at providing every opportunity for success to the people of our town. The Brick Community Stadium in Wigan truly embodies this spirit — it’s a venue where everyone in the town can come together to support their chosen team.”

Keely Dalfen, CEO of The Brick added: “The renaming of the Stadium is a fantastic gesture that cements our long-term partnership with Latics and Warriors, bringing together three of the town’s oldest serving institutions.

“We could not be more delighted to be formally associated with the town’s iconic stadium, and two great clubs that align so closely with our values of opportunity, inclusivity, and equality. The positive influence that the new stadium name will have on the people of Wigan will stretch far beyond the stadium itself as we harness the power of sport in continuing to put the community at the heart of everything we do.

“So many of us have experienced the intense feeling of belonging when cheering on our teams at the ground, and it is that sense of belonging that we try so very hard to create for people we support. We are extremely thankful for the generosity of Mike Danson and the Executive Board in affording this immense privilege to The Brick.”

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