Wigan Athletic Vs Stockport County

Matchday 23 marked our inaugural venture into hospitality, a promise made to Liam at the beginning of this challenge to experience at least one stadium per year with this added perk. On a whim, we enquired about the possibility of having hospitality at Wigan, and with the assistance of Lisa from Wigan, this was promptly arranged. I must express my immense gratitude to Lisa for her invaluable assistance, making this particular match the highlight of Liam’s experiences thus far.

The journey closely mirrored the previous night’s, as Wigan is situated just 40 minutes south of Accrington. Given the time constraints, especially with the doors to hospitality opening at 1800 at the DW Stadium, we knew it would be a tight schedule.

Traffic posed another challenge, particularly in the Knutsford and Warrington area. However, fortune favored us, and we arrived in Wigan at 1745.

As part of the hospitality package, parking was included, with instructions indicating that my name would be needed for access. Surprisingly, there were no checks, allowing anyone to enter the car park without charge. The car park was conveniently close to the stadium, and after a brief stroll and a chat with a helpful steward directing us to the West Stand, we arrived on time to be greeted by Lisa. She kindly handed over Liam’s pre-ordered matchday scarf and our tickets.

Choosing to take the stairs instead of waiting for the lift to the Phoenix lounge, we found ourselves on the 3rd floor. Liam was visibly excited about the lounge’s interior. Locating our assigned table, number 20, we then indulged in a Lancashire feast of Pie, Mash, Pies, and Gravy at the buffet.

I went to the bar for a diet coke, while Liam opted for a glass of orange juice. Returning to the table, Liam excitedly pointed out Liverpool Legend Jamie Carragher leaving the lounge, a missed celebrity sighting on my part. I was surprised to see Jamie leaving the lounge, and we also discovered that Carragher’s son, James, plays for Wigan.

After enjoying our meal, we headed to our seats. Liam was ecstatic about the view, particularly the comfort of the padded seats. However, during the game, no one questioned our presence in the hospitality area, and we overheard others claiming the padded seats without having paid for them.

At halftime, we returned to the lounge. Despite hot chocolate being sold out, Liam’s preferred drink, I enquired about tea and coffee. Unfortunately, these had to be prebooked, a detail I was unaware of. The bar person kindly arranged a tea and a coffee, but they arrived just as the second half kicked off, resulting in a weak tea. I also noticed that paper/plastic cups were not available outside the lounge, as I overheard another woman asking for a paper/plastic cup, but she was advised that drinks could not be taken out of the lounge. Therefore, I refrained from making the same request, and instead, Liam quickly drank a very weak but hot cup of tea, and we both headed back for the second half.

Post-match, we exited directly to the main gates and reached our car in the car park without any hassles. Considering the limited roads to the ground, I wondered if traffic would be an issue with a full stadium, but for us, it was smooth.

Despite minor inconveniences, such as traffic due to motorway roadworks, we made it home in 2 hours. Overall, our experience at the DW Stadium was enjoyable, and despite the highlighted minor issues, dealing with Lisa in hospitality was a pleasure, making her a credit to Wigan FC