Blue Plaque has been unveiled at Folly Field, an important sporting location for Wigan Borough where rugby was first played in 1862.
Announced to coincide Wigan Warriors’ 150th anniversary last year, the new plaque is placed at Real Crafty Pub on Upper Dicconson Street.
An unveiling ceremony was held on Wednesday, August 30 and was attended by representatives from Wigan Warriors, Wigan Council and the Wigan Warriors Community Trust.
Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities at Wigan Council, said: “For over 150 years, Wigan Warriors have been at the heart of our town and I’m incredibly proud to have been part of the group making sure its history and the Folly Field site is remembered for decades to come.
“Blue Plaques provide an opportunity to recognise our borough’s rich heritage and play a key part in our cultural manifesto, the Fire Within.”
Folly Field, on Upper Dicconson Street, was the location of Wigan Rugby Club’s original ground with matches played there since 1862.
The final game held there in 1886 attracted 18,000 spectators from across the region to watch Aspull defeat Wigan in the Wigan Union Charity Cup.
Wigan Warriors celebrated their 150th year throughout 2022 and the plaque is hoped to highlight an important part of the club’s origins.
Kris Radlinksi, Wigan Warriors chief executive, added: “A blue plaque for Folly Field is another key milestone for the history of our great club.
“We could never have imagined that a group of cricketers who wanted to keep competitive during the winter months, would go on to create quite possibly the most famous rugby club in the world.
“The Fire Within, the town’s cultural manifesto, seems to fit perfectly with the DNA of all rugby players and fans who have represented and supported Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club for so many years. “
