Magic Weekend returns to St James' Park for 2016

[josie andrews]

Following the success of the 2015 Magic Weekend, the Super League is delighted to announce that the 2016 event will be returning to St James’ Park, Newcastle on Saturday May 21 and Sunday May 22.

Magic Weekend was first held in Newcastle earlier this year and more than 67,000 fans were in attendance across the course of the weekend – the highest ever for the two-day event.

Fixtures for Magic Weekend 2016 have also been revealed, with 2015 First Utility Super League Grand Finalists Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors playing in the final game on Saturday evening. The Rhinos, who defeated the Warriors 22-20 at Old Trafford, will lock horns with Wigan for the fourth successive year at Magic Weekend at 7.00pm on Saturday May 21.

Treble winning Leeds Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott said: "Magic Weekend is a brilliant event and it's great that it's going to be in Newcastle again.

“It's a fantastic stadium and there were lots of fans there this year which created a memorable atmosphere. I am particularly pleased for everyone involved in Rugby League in the North East.

“I know from personal experience how hard they have worked down the years to promote our game and it is fitting that they get their reward with another Magic Weekend after the success of last year’s event. Hopefully it will be even better next year."

Salford Red Devils and Widnes Vikings will kick the two-day Rugby League extravaganza off when they go head-to-head at 2.30pm. Castleford Tigers and Warrington Wolves will square off at 4.45pm before the Grand Final rematch brings the curtain down on an action-packed first day.

Day two begins with Catalans Dragons and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at 1.00pm followed by Huddersfield Giants facing St Helens in the penultimate game of the weekend. Magic Weekend climaxes with one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes – the Hull derby – where the city’s bragging rights will be up for grabs between Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers.

Super League General Manager Blake Solly said: “We’re delighted that Magic Weekend will be staged at Newcastle’s St James’ Park in 2016.

“Magic Weekend this year was a huge success. We had a record attendance for the weekend and it contained some incredible moments that will live long in the memory. I would like to thank everyone in Newcastle for their support with the event and hopefully we can build on the brilliant success of 2015.”

Lee Charnley, Managing Director of Newcastle United, said: “Magic Weekend was, without doubt, one of the best events we have ever hosted here at St James’ Park. We welcomed record crowds, the atmosphere was superb - as was the rugby - and there was a collective effort from all those involved to promote Newcastle and the North East to visitors from across the UK.

“Ever since the event in May, we have been working hard together with the City Council and NE1 Ltd to attract the Super League back to Newcastle once again. We are delighted with today’s announcement and look forward to hosting an even more successful Magic Weekend next year.”



Tickets for the 2016 Magic Weekend at St. James’ Park, Newcastle, are now on sale and day tickets are priced from £25 for adults and £12.50 for concessions. Weekend tickets are also available from £40 for adults and £20 for concessions.

The Official Hotel Supplier for Magic Weekend, HotelPlanner.com, have secured the best available rates from Magic Weekend fans across the city. To book, click here - https://rfl.hotelplanner.com/

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or by calling the Rugby League Ticket Hotline on 0844 856 1113.

The 2016 Magic Weekend schedule is as follows:

Saturday May 21

2.30pm – Salford Red Devils v Widnes Vikings

4.45pm – Castleford Tigers v Warrington Wolves

7.00pm – Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors

Sunday May 22

1.00pm – Catalans Dragons v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

3.15pm – Huddersfield Giants v St Helens

5.30pm – Hull FC v Hull Kingston Rovers
Castleford Tigers Catalans Dragons Huddersfield Giants Hull FC Hull KR Leeds Rhinos Salford Red Devils St Helens Super League Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Warrington Wolves Widnes Vikings Wigan Warriors

http://www.therfl.co.uk/news/article/33 ... urns-to-st

[josie andrews]

Well there was on definite fixture everyone knew would be there!!

[Wiganer Ted]

Sorry Josie but two, the Hull v Hull game was a cert too.

Boring sodding boring!
Should change to the last 16 of the C Cup, eight games over 2 days. Winner in the draw and losers out!
The draw for the quarter finals after Sunday's last match!
That's a meaningful Magic Weekend

[thegimble]

Sorry Josie but two, the Hull v Hull game was a cert too.

Boring sodding boring!
Should change to the last 16 of the C Cup, eight games over 2 days. Winner in the draw and losers out!
The draw for the quarter finals after Sunday's last match!
That's a meaningful Magic Weekend

Totally agree but they will not risk it and imagine if we drew Barrow and Leeds gets say Crusaders. Attendances might be low so they will not risk it. Shame but maybe they could do a magic weekend around the country and stage a Challenge cup weekend in Manchester.

[josie andrews]

Sorry, forgot to say the two Hulls would have also been a dead certain

[Owd Codger]

With the exception of the Hull Derby, the games have been arranged in accordance with the League positions of this season to put them on a more competitive level ie 1v2, 3v4, 5v6 etc.

Hence Wigan playing Leeds again!

About time too!

[Wiganer Ted]

The whole fixture is contrived.
They should have a draw for who plays whom.
Why have we never played Warrington at this event? Some of the season's best games this past few years have been between us.
A Wigan v Warrington match could be a cracker!

[jaws1]

The whole fixture is contrived.
They should have a draw for who plays whom.
Why have we never played Warrington at this event? Some of the season's best games this past few years have been between us.
A Wigan v Warrington match could be a cracker!

Why not rotate the fixture
Wigan v Saints
Leeds v Warrington

Then
Wigan v Warrington
Leeds V Saints

then
Wigan V Leeds
Saints v Warrington

[Owd Codger]

So do we take it that the weekend is only about Leeds, St Helens, Warrington, Wigan and the rest make up the numbers?

The only thing wrong with the new fixtures is the RFL not sticking to the correct positions in the case of the Hull clubs.

[Caboosegg]

i know its very short sited on my behalf but not really happy that this isnt back in Manchester again, the Etihad Stadium was brilliant, good food for a stadium and none of the GF rubbish of no drinks in the ground.

although im okay with Leeds,will be a challenge as usual and we get to see if the blooded youngster are up to the job or if we do needs some more experience.