Bloomfield Road, home of Blackpool FC(credit:
Wikipedia)
Blackpool will now kick off their Premier League campaign at Wigan on Saturday, August 14.
The Tangerines were originally scheduled to entertain the Latics, but the newly-promoted club are unable to guarantee the Premier League that the development of the east stand at the Bloomfield Road home will be finished in time for the match.
It means Ian Holloway’s side will now travel to the DW Stadium for their season opener, with the return game at Bloomfield Road on April 16 next year.
A statement from the Premier League read: “The board felt it was important to take this decision as early as possible if there was any potential for Blackpool FC’s stadium not being ready for the first match of the season.
“This is the only Blackpool FC fixture that will be affected and this decision will give both clubs and their supporters maximum time to plan accordingly.
“The board would like to put on record its thanks to both Wigan Athletic FC and Wigan RL whose flexibility in the circumstances has been extremely helpful.”