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Warrington Wolves confirm six-figure stadium upgrades in huge IMG boost

After a wide-ranging fan survey, Warrington Wolves have confirmed huge changes at the Halliwell Jones Stadium set to improve the club’s IMG score.

Warrington have revealed the results of a huge fan survey that saw over 2,000 Wire fans take part with the Wolves revealing incoming upgrades in a number of matchday areas such as catering, staffing, and entertainment.

Chief among the upgrades from a Super League perspective is the implementation of a new big screen with the 2024 screen no longer meeting IMG minimum standards.

As such, the club have confirmed that a five-figure investment will be made for a new screen that is set to be installed before Warrington’s first home game of the Super League season when they face Catalans Dragons in Round Two.

As well as a new big screen, there will also be work done to the Halliwell Jones Stadium sound system with the club revealing six figures worth of upgrades and maintenance in the past year,

Warrington Wolves confirm six-figure stadium upgrades in huge IMG boost

 - 05/07/2024 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League Round 16 - Warrington Wolves v Huddersfield Giants - Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, England - Warrington fans/supporters, crowds in stand

Credit: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com

News of these developments was shared by Warrington Wolves on their website and social media with the club updating and thanking the fans who took part in the survey.

They confirmed that there was more than a 100% increase in participation in the survey with 2,133 fans responding compared to the 933 who did so in 2019 – the last time they conducted a major survey.

There was positive reviews for staffing and social media output with those areas scoring 4/5 whilst the development of an app has been confirmed after 90% of respondents said they’d like to see one.

Meanwhile, catering was set for a huge overhaul with CEO Karl Fitzpatrick stating that it was an “area we have fallen short in the past”, however, the biggest updates were on stadium infrastructure.

Warrington Wolves’ home turned 20 in 2024 meaning upgrades were necessary and the club have addressed those issues.

Their statement explained: “As The Halliwell Jones Stadium celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024, many of you noted that certain areas of the stadium are beginning to show their age. Many of you mentioned looking at the facilities, and the quality of our big screen and sound system were consistently highlighted as needing urgent attention.

“We fully acknowledge these concerns and appreciate your patience as we tackle these challenges head-on. Like many clubs, the pandemic delivered a severe blow to our finances. Coupled with rising operational costs and sector-wide financial pressures, this has left every club in the sport fighting hard to balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability. However the club has still invested a substantial six figure sum in upgrades and maintenance over the last year.”

On what is next, they listed upgrade areas including the big screen where they explained: “Chairman Stuart Middleton has recognised the need to replace the outdated screen, which no longer meets the IMG minimum standards. Thanks to his investment, a new state-of-the-art screen is being installed ahead of our opening home game. This major upgrade represents a five-figure commitment to improving the matchday experience and ensuring our facilities meet modern standards.”

As for general maintenance, they added: “Significant progress has already been made, including a five- figure investment to replace the broken scoreboard. Director Mike Lomax has also personally funded the painting of the stanchions, prioritising the areas most in need of attention. While there’s still more to do, these steps reflect the club’s commitment to improving the overall appearance of the stadium.”

The full survey results can be found here with the club also confirming that further feedback is welcome after each game.

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