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I went to the JJB for the first time as a visiting
Chelsea fan on the first day of the 2005/06 season. Wigan's first match in
the Premiership and a record attendance for a football match at the
stadium.
We parked in one of the car parks for Wigan Pier -
clearly signposted on many of the approach roads into Wigan. The car park
only had 4 other cars in it when we arrived 3 hours before kick off, and
when we returned immediately after the game I think only another two had
parked up. Plenty of free parking to be had here, and only 10 minutes walk
from the ground (and this was for the JJB's biggest football attendance
and 5,000 visiting fans). The position of the car park also allowed for a
quick getaway from the town after the game.
The car park was 2
minutes walk from the Orwell - a pub on the canal. A friendly atmosphere,
both sets of colours being worn freely without any hint of trouble, Sky
Sports and some great beer (my friend and I rather enjoyed a few pints of
"Flat Cap" - a fine local ale!).
We left the Orwell for a 10
minute walk to the ground. First impressions of the JJB were favourable,
away fans being housed in the North Stand. The Meat & Potato pie was
excellent - one to be recommended. Facilities were good - no problem
getting a beer or food in the ground, even for a large travelling support.
The seating gave ample leg room, and the view from my seat was
unobstructed and excellent. The ticket price was £25 - surely one of the
cheapest in the league.
Overall, an excellent day (obviously helped
by a far from deserved 93rd minute winner from Crespo) and I would
recommend a trip to the JJB for any visiting fan. To be honest, I hope
Wigan stay up and I can go back next season!
P.S. Just don't
mention the Rugby League when you're there, the Wigan fans don't like
their egg-chasing friends very much!!!
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