Manchester Prepares To Hold Magic

[josie andrews]

The Etihad Stadium in Manchester will host a full round of Super League fixtures in May next year when Rugby League's Magic Weekend moves to the home of Manchester City FC.

Local rivalries will again take centre stage for the Round 15 matches over the weekend of May 26 and 27 which will provide one of many highlights of the 2012 Super League season.

The RFL today published full details of the fixture list for the 2012 season, which kicks off on Friday February 3 and climaxes with the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday October 6.

"I'm delighted to confirm that Rugby League is returning to the Etihad Stadium next May for Magic Weekend and two days of sporting action of the highest order," said RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood.

"On the only previous occasion Rugby League has been played at this iconic venue we were overwhelmed by the positive feedback from supporters who thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

"The Magic Weekend continues to grow in stature and popularity and I'm sure the move to the Etihad Stadium will take the event to the next level after the success of previous Magic Weekends in Cardiff and Edinburgh.
Steve Sayer, Operations Director for Manchester City FC, said: "We consider it a real honour to host the Magic Weekend and we're delighted to welcome Rugby League back to the Etihad Stadium.

"At Manchester City we are treated to top quality football week in week out and we are certain that this Super League showpiece will prove similarly enjoyable for the fans of all the participating clubs."

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure for Manchester City Council, said: "The North West has a tremendous Rugby League tradition and we expect to welcome tens of thousands of fans to Manchester for the Magic Weekend.

"This promises to provide yet another boost for Manchester's economy and adds to what is shaping up to be a fantastic sporting 2012 for the city.

"Super League's Magic Weekend is a fantastic addition to our busy calendar for next year, which already features many other national and international sporting events, including Olympic football at Old Trafford Stadium."

The schedule for Magic Weekend 2012 will be confirmed in the New Year following consultation with Super League's broadcast partners Sky Sports and the Etihad Stadium, which last hosted a Rugby League match in October 2004 when over 40,000 people saw Australia defeat Great Britain in the Tri-Nations tournament.

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