Wigan Central Park memories in pictures

By Michelle Adamson

Published 8th Feb 2025, 04:55 BST

Central Park, for so long the spiritual home of Wigan rugby league lives on in many people’s memories. Built in 1902, the most famous rugby league ground in the world closed its doors for the final time on Sunday September 5 1999, 96 years and 364 days after the first game against Batley was played.

Emotional memories will well up with this little gallery.

1. Memories of Wigan's Central Park

. Photo: STAFF

A view of Central Park in March 1995.

2. RETRO - Central Park

A view of Central Park in March 1995. Photo: Frank Orrell

WIGAN WARRIORS V SAINTS - LAST GAME AT CENTRAL PARK Jason Robinson makes the break to set up Denis Bett's try.

3. RETRO - Central Park

WIGAN WARRIORS V SAINTS - LAST GAME AT CENTRAL PARK Jason Robinson makes the break to set up Denis Bett's try. Photo: Frank Orrell

1969 - Wigan stand-off Kevin O'Loughlin breaks between Widnes defenders Dutton and O'Neill to score a try at Central Park.

4. RETRO - Central Park

1969 - Wigan stand-off Kevin O'Loughlin breaks between Widnes defenders Dutton and O'Neill to score a try at Central Park. Photo: JPIMedia

Central Park Wigan Batley

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1853

©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Terms and Conditions Privacy notice