Hill Dickinson Stadium played host to the first day of Magic Weekend 2026 yesterday - and the ECHO has all the latest on a possible return next year
Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of Magic Weekend 2026 getting underway
Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of Magic Weekend 2026 getting underway(Image: (Jess Hornby/Getty Images))
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Magic Weekend is set to return to Hill Dickinson Stadium next year following a record-breaking opening day at the 19th edition. The event's arrival at Everton's waterfront home yesterday followed the success of last year's Ashes Test between England and Australia.
RL Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones had already confirmed to the ECHO that they were open to working with Everton to stage more events at Hill Dickinson Stadium. And the ECHO now understands that both parties have held positive talks and Magic is set to return to the ground next year.
This move is significant because some Betfred Super League clubs wanted Magic removed from this year's calendar. However, the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium appears to have breathed fresh life into the event.
And that is a view backed up by Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet, who told BBC Radio Manchester ahead of his side's game against St Helens this afternoon: "This one feels particularly exciting and fresh. New venue, ticket sales through the roof.
"It's always been a good concept, but it's been re-energised. We tend to be in the headline games and wouldn't have it any other way. I can see exactly why the organisers would fix that up, and it's sure to deliver."
While Saints boss Paul Rowley added: "It's an opportunity for our sport to showcase itself in the best light, in a new part of the world. We're all looking forward to it, and we get the pleasure of the last game on the last day.
"Saints fans are happy because we've outnumbered everyone in ticket sales, voting with their feet."
Speaking to the ECHO ahead of Magic getting underway yesterday, Jones confirmed that Hill Dickinson Stadium is also under consideration to host the Grand Final.
The Super League's showpiece event will be played at Manchester United’s Old Trafford until 2027 after a three-year deal was signed back in 2024.
Hull KR with the Super League trophy after their Grand Final over Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford last year
Hull KR with the Super League trophy after their Grand Final over Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford last year(Image: (Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images))
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The Theatre of Dreams has been the home of the Grand Final since 1998, apart from 2020, when it was hosted at the KCOM Stadium in Hull due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
RL Commercial will explore other venues before their current agreement with United ends, and Manchester City's Etihad Stadium could rival Hill Dickinson Stadium.
"Our current term with Old Trafford ends in October 2027, so there are two more finals at Old Trafford," Jones confirmed.
"But after that there are other contenders now for consideration to host the Grand Final, and you would expect Hill Dickinson Stadium would be on that list.
"And I am sure that they would be very keen to host such a prestigious event like the Grand Final that has only ever been played at two venues, predominantly Old Trafford and, one year, at Hull during Covid."
Day one of this year's Magic event also saw Example write his name into the Hill Dickinson Stadium history books by becoming the first music artist to perform at the ground.
Example performed at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday
Example performed at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday
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With over two decades of success, Example has become one of Britain's most recognisable performers, boasting platinum-selling albums and headline festival appearances, and he raised the roof of this famous stadium on the banks of the Mersey with his set.
Jax Jones will also perform ahead of the blockbuster derby between St Helens and Wigan Warriors this afternoon, which will be the final game of this year's event.
"It is about being culturally relevant," Jones told the ECHO when asked for his thinking behind Example and Jax Jones performing.
"So speaking to a younger demographic is one of our strategies. The decision to bring Example and Jax Jones to the venue adds to that festival vibe that we are looking for at the weekend.
"Our fans want to come and have a good time and we felt that these two artists would add that for them. I am sure the roof will come off when those two perform."
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On the pitch yesterday, York Knights kicked things off with a 36-24 win over fellow Super League strugglers Huddersfield Giants.
Two tries each from Cody Hunter and Jon Bennison - as well as one apiece from David Nofoaluma, Nikau Williams and Denive Balmforth - sealed all two points for Mark Applegarth’s side.
While tries from Jai Whitbread and Tyrone May broke Hull FC hearts as Hull KR secured their eighth straight victory over their rivals.
Mikey Lewis and Rhyse Martin also crossed for Willie Peters' side, who are the reigning Super League and World Club Challenge champions.
Then, in the final game of the day at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Leigh Leopards kept up the pressure in the race for the top-six spots with a convincing 24-6 win over Warrington Wolves.
Tries from Tesi Niu, David Armstrong, Edwin Ipape and Umyla Hanley helped Adrian Lam’s side secure two points.
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