Wigan Athletic's DW Stadium is first in UK to receive National Policing Award for Safety

The DW Stadium, home to Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors, achieved a 5-star accolade for ground safety in a new police led initiative.

Available as an on-line self-assessment, Licensing Security & Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI) brings together, for the first time, all the information that licensed premises need to comply with the requirements of local police and council licensing teams, achieve a star-rating and have the opportunity to apply for Licensing SAVI accreditation and an award.

The 25,138-seater stadium, opened in 1999, is host to various sporting and private events throughout the year. 

Andy Birch, Operations Manager at the DW Stadium, said: “We are delighted to be the first stadium to have received this award. The Licensing SAVI online assessment allowed us to test our processes against industry best practice and to enhance our already robust standards. 

"Having this seal of approval, that demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of anyone working at or visiting a facility, is an accolade I would recommend for any venue to work towards.”

Mark Morgan, Business Manager, Licensing SAVI, said: “We are delighted that the DW Stadium has been awarded our 5* accreditation, becoming the first sports stadium in the country to receive our award in doing so. Working in partnership with Wigan Borough Council, Greater Manchester Police and the DW Stadium, we hope to showcase how we continue to work together to enhance the security, safety, and vulnerability for all those who work at or visit the stadium and local area, whether on a match day or during the private use of their excellent hospitality areas. We are grateful to Andy and the team at the DW Stadium in helping us to showcase the versatility of Licensing SAVI across different venue types and in supporting us to shape the process for sports stadiums in the future.”