Super League"s Magic Weekend to bring rugby league to Newcastle United"s St ...

Thousands of rugby league fans are to descend on Newcastle as St James’ Park plays host to the “Magic Weekend”.

The home of Newcastle United will host six Super League matches in two days next May as the sport’s annual showcase comes to the North East for the first time.

“St James’ Park is one of Britain’s iconic sporting stadiums and Newcastle is a fantastic destination city that will provide the perfect backdrop to the First Utility Super League Magic Weekend,” said Super League general manager Blake Solly.

“From all our engagement with Newcastle United, Newcastle City Council, NE1 and other agencies, it is clear that the region will welcome Rugby League fans with open arms and I have no doubts that Magic Weekend 2015 will be a huge success.

“We did receive interest in staging Magic Weekend from a number of other venues but none provided as good a fit as Newcastle for many reasons, including its transport links, hotel and accommodation options and opportunities for our fans to enjoy a weekend to remember.”

The Magic Weekend has previously been staged in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Manchester but Manchester Citry’s Etihad Stadium – the event’s home for the last three years – is unavailable next year due to building work.

It will see the sport’s elite players from 12 Super League clubs – potentially including the likes of Wigan Warriors, St Helens, Catleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos – show off their skills in three matches on Saturday May 30 and three on Sunday May 31.

Sean Bullick, chief executive of NE1, said he was delighted to see the city host the Magic Weekend.

“The city is well placed to host Magic Weekend and we will give a fabulous welcome to the visiting teams and the thousands of spectators,” he said.

“The economic impact of this will be significant, particularly for the hotels and restaurants, as well as the retailers. Similar events such as the 2012 Olympics and Great North Run have generated millions of pounds for the city.

“Large scale events like this do a fantastic job of promoting Newcastle and the wider region. I’m sure visiting fans will have a fantastic time in the city and we hope this will be the best Magic Weekend so far.”

Councillor Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “I’m delighted that Newcastle has been chosen to host Magic Weekend which will bring additional investment to the City.

“Newcastle has a proven track record of hosting large scale sporting events. With so much to do here and our famous hospitality, visitors are guaranteed a fantastic experience and a taste of Geordie Magic.

“Our city has excellent transport routes so visitors from outside the region will find it nothing short of easy to get to and if they are staying over, hotels to match all budgets.”

Full details of the Magic Weekend 2015 fixtures and kick-off times will be confirmed in mid-November.

Super League"s Magic Weekend to bring rugby league to Newcastle United"s St ...