ECHO exclusive as Connor O'Neill chats to RL Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones about Hill Dickinson Stadium hosting the Super League Grand Final
Pyrotechnics at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium before ABK Beer Ashes Series match between England and Australia
Pyrotechnics at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium before ABK Beer Ashes Series match between England and Australia(Image: (Peter Byrne/PA Wire))
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Magic Weekend 2026 at Hill Dickinson Stadium officially became the fastest-selling in the event’s 20-year history last month. RL Commercial confirmed that nearly 50,000 tickets have already been sold since going on sale in December, in what was the most rapid take-up yet for the showpiece occasion.
The 19th Magic Weekend, which sees an entire round of Super League fixtures played over one weekend, will take place on July 4 and July 5 later this year. Everton’s new waterfront home was chosen as the venue after it hosted the second Ashes Test between England and Australia in November.
A sell-out attendance of 52,106 watched the Aussies not only claim victory but also the series in what was the first non-football event to take place at the stadium.
And now with supporters flocking back for the Super League bonanza, which sees the competition’s biggest rivalries and derby clashes match up over one weekend, talk has already started about the Blues playing host to more rugby league events.
One event being suggested is the Super League Grand Final, which has been played all but once at Old Trafford since 1998.
But with the current deal with Manchester United set to expire in 2027, RL Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones has revealed Hill Dickinson Stadium is expected to be under consideration to host the event.
“We have got a commitment with Old Trafford until the end of 2027,” he told the ECHO. “It will ultimately come down to availability, desire, the economics, location, we will have to factor in a lot of different things.
Dominic Young is fouled by Reece Walsh during the England vs Australia Test match at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Dominic Young is fouled by Reece Walsh during the England vs Australia Test match at Hill Dickinson Stadium (Image: (Michael Steele/Getty Images))
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“I think Everton are putting their best foot forward at the moment with what is available. Ashes and now Magic, so like I say, it is a couple of years away.
“But I am sure they (Everton) will be in reckoning when we come down to sit and talk about the Grand Final and the future of that venue.”
England star Mikey Lewis claimed in the immediate aftermath of his side’s 14-4 second Test defeat that rugby league had found a new home at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
And when asked about Lewis’ comments, Jones replied: “The home of rugby league is an interesting one, as people will argue that it is Wembley, Old Trafford or Newcastle, but we have made changes.
“What is not to say it (Hill Dickinson Stadium) could not become the home of rugby league, but first and foremost Magic Weekend is another opportunity for the stadium, club and the city to demonstrate that they are embracing rugby league and we certainly hope that will be the case.”