Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington

Correspondent

Halliwell Jones Stadium
Winwick Road
Warrington
Cheshire
WA2 7NE

Home to: Warrington Wolves (Super League)
Capacity: 14,206
Opened: 2004

Facilities: This purposely built Rugby League stadium broke modern trends of new stadia by having two stands all seater and two stands of terracing. Unfortunately, due to congestion at the opening Super League game played at the ground, the capacity was reduced to 13,024. However, there are plans in place to extend the ground. The stadium is well kept and the pitch has been recently relaid after drainage problems. A tremendous club shop is built in to the ground. The concourse areas are as standard as most grounds, and the seats are widely separated for comfort.

Impressions: An impressive ground on approach, the new pitch should solve the problems the Wolves have been having. Due to the two terraced stands, the ground doesnt look as impressive as it would should it be all seater. But the introduction of terracing together with seating builds an excellent atmosphere, and the side terraced stand is often packed on match days.

Records: 14,206 for the opening Super League game at the ground, against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in Super League IX.

History: The Halliwell Jones Stadium was opened on the 21st of February when Warrington beat Wakefield in the opening game of that season’s Super League. Built on the site of the old Carlsberg-Tetley brewery, the ground was a replacement for the decaying Wilderspool which had been Warrington’s home since 1898. The move has allowed Warrington to increase their attendances, and there is now talk of expanding the ground. The Halliwell Jones has staged a Challenge Cup semi-final in 2004 when St Helens beat Huddersfield 46-6 in front of 13,134, hosting the Euro Nations Cup final between England and Ireland the same year. The following year the ground hosted women’s soccer in the Euro 2005 tournament, and was the venue for the 2006 National League Grand Finals day.

Ticket Prices: Adults £15, Concessions £8

Directions: Leave the M62 at Junction 9 and go straight up Winwick Road (A49), passing through 2 roundabouts and a set of traffic lights, until you reach the ground and Tesco. Alternatively, Leave the M6 at Junction 21A, and travel down Winwick Lane until you reach the A49 Winwick Road. Continue along the A49 towards Warrington Town Centre. The ground is well signposted.

Car Parking: Although there is a large car park next to the ground, this isnt for use on match days as it belongs to Tesco. There are extremely limited spaces for disabled fans. There is plenty of street parking in the surrounding areas, or you could use town centre car parks.

Local Pubs: The Rodney Arms is at the corner of the Martin Dawes Stand, and there are further public houses towards the town centre.

Fans View: A brilliant atmosphere in this ground, particularly in the standing areas. Would be great to see it get bigger with larger crowds.