St James' Park has hosted Magic Weekend a record eight times but faces competition from a new rival
Magic Weekend could return to St James' Park
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Newcastle United are hopeful of bringing rugby league's showpiece event back to the North East next year in what would be a £10million boost for the city. Super League's Magic Weekend has been held at St James' Park on a record eight occasions and has provided a massive lift to Newcastle's economy.
The event, which has proven popular with supporters over the years, appeared likely to be shelved as part of plans to expand Super League to 14 teams. However, talks have been taking place over the 2025 edition still going ahead, with a decision expected soon.
Newcastle United face stiff competition to host Magic Weekend from Premier League rivals Everton, however. The Toffees, who moved into their new Hill Dickinson Stadium in the summer, have emerged as rivals, reports All Out Rugby League.
The Magpies confirmed last week that they were keen to remain as hosts next season but Everton have now expressed interest in staging rugby league again after the success of Saturday's test match between Australia and England.
The fixture was a sell-out and after positive feedback, Hill Dickinson Stadium officials have expressed interest in exploring other rugby league events in the future, including Magic Weekend. With next year's Super League fixture list due to be published later this month, a decision is expected to be made by the end of next week.
Magic Weekend is usually held over the May bank holiday weekend, as was the case this year. However, both Newcastle United and Everton are at home that weekend in the Premier League - the Magpies are scheduled to play Brighton on May 2.
More than 64,000 people attended St James’ Park this year when Magic Weekend returned to Newcastle – bringing in more than £10m into the local economy. That included the biggest ever Sunday crowd in the event’s history and the first time the second day’s attendance was higher than the first day.
Cllr Abdul Samad, Cabinet Member for Culture, Music and Arts, said: “We were delighted to welcome more than 64,000 fans to St James’ Park across the two days of the Magic Weekend, and many more to the city itself.
“It was fantastic to hear that the event saw it biggest ever attendance on a Sunday, with everyone making the most of the Geordie hospitality on offer. The whole city was buzzing, with young and old enjoying the fanzones outside St James’ Park, and it showed that we are the city of the North.
"It was brilliant to once again showcase Newcastle on the national stage, helping bring in over £10million to local businesses. We were very proud to host this event again, and will do all we can to bring it back next year.”
Newcastle first hosted Magic Weekend in 2015, and then again every year through to 2018. It returned to St James' Park after Covid for three successive years (2021-2023) and then after Elland Road was the venue in 2024, it was back in Newcastle this year.