Rugby league fans travelling to the long awaited game between Leigh Centurions and Wigan Warriors (3pm 1 February) are being urged to sort out their travel plans well in advance.
With a few thousand excited fans expected, authorities are telling them that it is important they know their travel options. The council’s travel experts and Sports Village bosses are providing information for fans to make the day go smoothly.
Operations Director of Leigh Sports Village, James Ditchfield, says:
“We are working flat out with our partners to ensure that attending games at Leigh Sports Village is a fun, pleasant experience. We know that how people travel and what issues they face are also part of the day so we are urging people to make sure they are aware of their options.
”Supporters will be competing for parking spaces across Leigh town centre with shoppers out for the sales - so it is important that they plan appropriately. Car sharing, coaches, public transport and walking to the game are all options people should think about rather than simply driving on their own. Together we can reduce any problems there may be.”
As parts of the sports village are still under construction, there are reduced opportunities for parking on site on the day. However, pay & display parking is available in Leigh town centre, just a ten minute walk away. Details of all car parks are available on the Leigh Sports Village website. And although roadworks planned on the Atherleigh Way during this period are not happening on the matchday, fans are being urged to use public transport or the laid on coaches.
James adds:
“We know it will be a testing day for everyone involved with the Sports Village as we welcome our first high profile event so we want people to know about their options and any difficulties they may face. Overall though, we want people to enjoy their day and hope they get the result they are after!”
Coaches will be leaving the JJB at 1pm. The aim is for them to leave Leigh 15 minutes after the final whistle.
They will be stopping en route as follows:
BUS 1
- Stop 1 JJB Stadium
- Stop 2 Platt Bridge: Netto
- Stop 3 Bickershaw: Bolton House Road
- Stop 4 Wigan Road: Royal Oak Pub
- Stop 5 Leigh Sports Village
BUS 2
- Travelling down Darlington Street
- Stop 1 Higher Ince: Fox Pub
- Stop 2 Hindley: council offices
- Stop 3 Atherton Road: petrol station on Dangerous Corner
- Stop 4: Westleigh: opposite Westleigh High School
- Stop 5: Leigh Sports Village
The return journey will call at the same stops and the fare is £3 return, payable on the bus.
James adds,
“So long as people plan their trip properly by checking out our website or checking with Traveline for public transport times, they should be okay on the day. As with all major events and new projects we expect there to be some issues but we will be constantly learning from our first capacity crowd at the Village. Hopefully it will be a great day for everyone.”
The game is an all-ticket affair and entrance will only be with a ticket as there will be no cash turnstiles on the day. Home fan tickets can be purchased from Leigh Centurions whilst away tickets can be purchased from Wigan Warriors.
