BrewDog Stadium at the Centre of a Cup Double-Header
On Saturday, May 10, 2026, BrewDog Stadium in St Helens played host to a Women’s FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion, marking another high-profile event at the venue. Reuters photographers captured the action as Liverpool’s Denise O’Sullivan celebrated scoring the opening goal in what would become a 2-1 victory for the Reds at the stadium. The match drew attention from across the women’s football world, with BBC Sport providing live stats and player ratings for the clash.
Meanwhile, just across town at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, St Helens Rugby League Club was preparing for its own cup semi-final — a Betfred Challenge Cup showdown against arch-rivals Wigan Warriors. For Saints fans unable to make the trip to Warrington, the club has announced that The Marching Inn, a bar located within BrewDog Stadium, will open its doors from 12.30pm to 5.30pm to screen the match live on newly installed TV screens.
The dual use of BrewDog Stadium — first for elite women’s football and then as a hub for rugby league supporters — underscores its growing role as a multi-sport venue in the region. The bar, revamped in February 2026, is now fully equipped to host non-matchday events, offering Saints 2026 members a 20% discount on food and drink.
The Marching Inn: A New Home for Saints Fans
The Marching Inn, situated inside BrewDog Stadium, is positioning itself as a go-to destination for St Helens supporters on big match days. The bar will serve a range of BrewDog products on draught, including Lost Lager, Cold Beer, Wingman IPA, and Black Heart, alongside canned favourites like Elvis Juice and Hazy Jane. A full selection of wine, gins, spirits, Stowford Press Cider, and soft drinks is also available, with pizzas and nachos on the menu.
Saints 2026 members can claim 20% off all food and drink by presenting their valid membership card. The discount applies only to designated non-matchday events, with terms and conditions in place. The screening of the Challenge Cup semi-final is the first major test of the bar’s new AV setup, which was installed after fan feedback from a previous away match screening.
Why This Matters: Stakes for Saints and the Stadium’s Evolution
For St Helens Rugby League Club, the Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan is a chance to return to Wembley for the first time since 2021. The stakes could not be higher: victory would set up a final against either Warrington Wolves or Hull KR. The last meeting between Saints and Wigan came on Good Friday, when Saints mounted a stunning comeback from 14 points down with nine minutes left to win 34-24 at BrewDog Stadium. That result, coupled with Saints’ five-match winning streak, has fans optimistic — but Wigan, despite four losses in six games, remains a dangerous opponent in a derby with so much on the line.
The decision to open The Marching Inn for the semi-final broadcast reflects a broader trend among sports clubs: monetising stadium infrastructure year-round and building community hubs beyond match days. BrewDog Stadium, which shares its name with the Scottish craft brewery that sponsors the venue, has become increasingly versatile. Earlier in the day, it served as the stage for a Women’s FA Cup semi-final — a competition that continues to grow in profile and attendance.
The Women’s FA Cup: Liverpool’s March Continues
Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Brighton in the semi-final puts them into the Women’s FA Cup final, where they will face either Chelsea or Manchester City, who play later on Saturday. The match at BrewDog Stadium was a tightly contested affair, with Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor fielding a strong lineup including Fuka Nagano, Ceri Holland, and goalscorer Denise O’Sullivan. Brighton, managed by an as-yet-unnamed coach, started stars like Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal and Fran Kirby in attack, but could not prevent Liverpool from progressing.
The attendance at BrewDog Stadium for the semi-final, while not officially confirmed in available sources, adds to a growing body of evidence that women’s football is drawing significant crowds to venues across the country. For Liverpool, the final represents a chance to add silverware to what has been a competitive WSL campaign.
Broader Implications: BrewDog Stadium as a Multi-Use Venue
The dual events at BrewDog Stadium on May 10 highlight a wider shift in how mid-sized stadiums are being used. Originally conceived as a rugby league ground, the venue now regularly hosts women’s football, community events, and hospitality functions. The Marching Inn’s revamp signals an intent to make the stadium a seven-day-a-week destination, not just a match-day venue.
This model mirrors trends seen across UK sport, where clubs are increasingly opening bars, coworking spaces, and conference facilities to diversify revenue. For St Helens R.F.C., the ability to offer a premium viewing experience for away games — complete with craft beer and food — strengthens fan engagement and builds loyalty, especially among younger supporters.
In a broader context, the rise of stadium-linked hospitality could have implications for how fans consume live sport. While nothing beats being at the game, high-quality screening events at dedicated venues offer a middle ground for those priced out of away travel or unable to secure tickets. BrewDog’s branding partnership with the stadium also gives the brewery a consistent physical presence, tying product sales directly to the match-day experience.
What This Changes for Fans and the Club
For Saints fans, the opening of The Marching Inn for semi-final screenings provides a new way to support the team without travelling. It also turns BrewDog Stadium into a social hub on non-match days, potentially increasing footfall for local businesses. For the club, it’s a chance to test the waters for a permanent fan zone. If Saturday’s screening is a success, similar events could become a regular fixture for away games and major tournaments.
Meanwhile, the growing use of BrewDog Stadium for women’s football signals that the venue is serious about diversifying its portfolio. Hosting a Women’s FA Cup semi-final is a prestigious booking that raises the stadium’s profile beyond rugby league. For Liverpool and Brighton, playing at a neutral venue with good facilities adds to the growing professionalism of the women’s game.
In a week where other major sporting events are also making headlines — such as the historic White House UFC title fight and Daniel Dubois’ heavyweight triumph — BrewDog Stadium’s dual role is a reminder that local venues can punch above their weight. Whether it’s rugby league or women’s football, the stadium is proving it can handle both.
As the Challenge Cup semi-final kicks off and Liverpool look ahead to the final, BrewDog Stadium stands as a symbol of what modern sport venues can achieve: community, versatility, and a good pint. For more on the broader sporting landscape, including the Gaethje vs. Topuria: Backup Fighter Named for Historic White House Title Fight, the weekend promises drama across the board.
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