Magic Weekend Returns to St James’ Park in 2016
The 2016 Magic Weekend will return to Newcastle’s St James’ Park with Leeds Rhinos taking on Wigan Warriors in a repeat of this year’s Grand Final.
The annual weekend on the rugby league calendar enters its tenth year next season and once again sees all 12 Super League sides in action across two days.
Newcastle will host the event for the second successive year after a record 67,841 fans were in attendance across the weekend in 2015.
Super League General Manager Blake Solly said: “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.”
It is estimated that hosting the weekend in the North East boosted £4.2million into the local economy and the City Council, RFL and Newcastle United have been in discussions for several months about building on the success of this year.
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.”
As they did earlier this year, Salford and Widnes kick-off the two-day event, with Warrington facing Castleford shortly after.
Leeds and Wigan then bring down the curtain on the opening day- as the Warriors look to win their fourth consecutive Magic Weekend game over the Rhinos and avenge their Old Trafford defeat.
Day two begins with Catalans taking on Wakefield before Huddersfield face St Helens.
The Hull derby then brings the weekend to a close with the city’s bragging rights up for grabs.
Tickets are priced from £25 for adults and £12.50 for concessions. Alternatively, weekend tickets are available from £40 for adults and £20 for concessions and can be purchased by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or 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 KR
