Super League: Newcastle United’s St James Park to host Magic Weekend 2015

The Rugby Football League’s decision to stage the 2015 Magic Weekend in Newcastle will be a hit with the fans according to Sky Sports expert Stevo.

RFLWith Manchester City's Etihad Stadium not available next May due to extensive building work, The RFL was forced to look for a new venue.

Newcastle's 52,404-capacity stadium will host the First Utility Super League played over two days on the same pitch with three matches taking place on Saturday, 30 May and three the next day and Stevo fully expects it to be another magical weekend for fans to remember.

The Magic Weekend is a unique way of bringing fans together. In many ways you could call it a Jamboree.

“Newcastle is a wonderful place. I’ve been there several times. I know the fans will definitely enjoy it up there. They’re most hospitable,” said Stevo.

“It’s very exciting news. It is a shame perhaps that we couldn’t utilise the Manchester City’s ground so we had to go elsewhere but I know they’ll all love it in Newcastle.  

“The main railway station is only 250 yards away from the ground. So fans can make their own way there. It’s very close to the city centre with all immunities; bars, pubs, restaurants and I urge anyone who is interested in Rugby League to go and see it."

Magic Weekend was first staged in Cardiff in 2007 and has also been held in Edinburgh, as well as the home of the Premier League champions in Manchester.

Value

Last year’s Magic Weekend saw record crowds over two days and Stevo praises the value the event brings to all spectators.

“There’ll only be six games next season because we are cutting down the Super League number. There’ll be three games on the Saturday and three on Sunday.

“The Magic Weekend has brought together a full round of Super League. A lot of people cannot afford to just go to one game, so imagine over two days, you are going to get six. That is great value.

“We are a sport that prides ourselves on not having segregation. You’ll see all the different colours and shirts that the fans will be wearing. There’s always a great atmophsere between sets of fans.

“The Magic Weekend is a unique way of bringing fans together.  In many ways you could call it a Jamboree. I am certainly looking forward to it.

“People who follow Rugby League will know that the fans are very friendly. We’ve been up to Cardiff and Manchester as well as Edinburgh and they were absolutely sensational. Newcastle will be excellent too."