Pyrotechnics pitchside before the ABK Beer Ashes Series match at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Pyrotechnics pitchside before the ABK Beer Ashes Series match at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Hill Dickinson Stadium will host the 19th Super League Magic Weekend next year. Rugby league officials have made the decision to return to Merseyside after being impressed with 's staging of the Ashes Test between England and Australia earlier this month.
A sell-out crowd watched on as . However, both sets of players were left more than impressed by the atmosphere inside the Blues' waterfront home, with England star Mikey Lewis even going as far as saying afterwards that the sport had found a new home.
And now Commercial have confirmed that the 2026 Magic Weekend will be played at Hill Dickinson Stadium on the weekend of July 4-5. The that a one-year deal between RL Commercial and Everton has been signed, with St. James' Park, Nottingham Forest's City Ground and the Principality Stadium the other venues that were considered.
St. James' Park has been the venue for the showpiece event on a record eight occasions, which has provided a massive lift for the Newcastle United's PSR status as well as local businesses. It has been claimed in the past that the event has brought in more than £10m into the local economy.
But it will be new waterfront home that will host Super League's festival weekend, when fans of all clubs gather to support their teams and celebrate the sport, and a return of three of the classic derby matches which were played at the first Magic Weekend in Cardiff in 2007.
The 2025 Betfred Super League champions Hull KR will face Hull FC on Saturday, July 4, while Bradford Bulls will play Leeds Rhinos at Magic Weekend for the first time since 2012 a day later, before the weekend ends with the traditional blockbuster between Wigan Warriors and .
"With memories still fresh of an unforgettable occasion for the Ashes Test, we’re delighted to be able to confirm a return to for the 2026 Betfred Super League Magic Weekend," Rhodri Jones, RL Commercial Managing Director, said.
Dominic Young is fouled by Reece Walsh during the England vs Australia Test match at Hill Dickinson Stadium (Image: (Michael Steele/Getty Images))
"This will be the seventh venue to stage Magic since it was introduced as a new concept for sport in 2007, and our clubs, players and supporters are in for a treat.
"It's a stunning stadium with outstanding facilities at all levels and also superbly located for summer on the waterfront, and with the many and varied attractions of Liverpool within easy reach.
"We're looking forward to elevating our fan experience with a range of hospitality offers which proved so popular for the international, and the Plaza outside the stadium is perfect for Magic.
"We continue to work with the Dragons and Toulouse on the feasibility of delivering a very special event in France too, and we hope to be able to announce something in the near future on this."
The weekend will kick off with York Knights making their Magic debut against Huddersfield Giants, and the first day of action concludes with a Saturday night clash between Leigh Leopards and Wolves. Sunday’s schedule begins with Wakefield Trinity facing Castleford Tigers.
And Angus Kinnear, Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are incredibly proud to be welcoming Magic Weekend to Hill Dickinson Stadium so soon after the outstanding success of the Ashes Test earlier this month.
"Hosting a sell-out crowd for the first major non-football event in our new home was a landmark moment for the club and a powerful demonstration of what this stadium and our city can deliver.
"With world-class facilities for players, officials and fans, superb sightlines, and an expansive Budweiser Plaza that lends itself perfectly to large-scale fan experiences, our waterfront home is the ideal location for Magic Weekend.
"We look forward to welcoming supporters from across the Rugby League community next July and showcasing, once again, the energy, ambition and hospitality that make Hill Dickinson Stadium and our city region such a special destination for major events."