
Springfield Park was the home of all the incarnations of Wigan-based teams since the formation of Wigan County in 1897. Technically, it was the home of Wigan Athletic for 67 years.
Wigan United, Wigan Town, Wigan United again, Wigan Borough and finally, Wigan Athletic took over the ground in 1932.
When Wigan Athletic was elected to the football league in 1978, their stadium very much reflected the fact that they had been plying their trade at the non-league level prior to this.
Both teams got changed in Portacabins, although they did at least have one each.
A decent-sized main stand that covered about a third of the pitches length on one side, with a low-level covered terrace on the opposite side.
An open terrace at one end and at the other was an away end that will live on in the minds of many supporters who stood on it.
It consisted of a grassy bank with a small number of terraced rows at the bottom and when it rained, it turned into a muddy mess that would never pass muster with safety regulations these days.
Such a sight would be worth a video, right?
Ok, you got it!
The record attendance at Springfield Park was during the days of Wigan Borough in the 1928/29 season. After reaching the third round of the FA Cup. 30,443 spectators packed into Springfield Park to watch Borough take on Sheffield Wednesday in what was to be a 1-3 win for the visitors.
The last game to be played at Springfield Park was on the 15th of May 1999 against local rivals, Manchester City. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Springfield Park was demolished in 1999.