Leeds United U-turn provides Newcastle United boost ahead of 2025 summer
Rugby League’s Magic Weekend is returning to St James’ Park in May 2025.
Magic Weekend first came to Newcastle Upon Tyne in 2015 and after proving a hit with travelling supporters has remained as the host city in eight of the last 10 years. The only exception was Liverpool’s Anfield in 2019 and Leeds United’s Elland Road earlier this year.
The festival - launched in Cardiff in 2007 as a trailblazing concept for Rugby League and for British sport - will celebrate its 18th birthday as Tyneside stages matches across Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4.
Hosting Magic Weekend will provide a welcome boost to the Magpies’ commercial revenue ahead of the summer transfer window with a crowd of between 60,000 and 70,000 expected over the two-day event.
Darren Eales, the Newcastle United CEO, said: “We are delighted to be hosting Magic Weekend at St. James’ Park once again.
“The stadium and city have proven to be incredibly popular across previous Magic Weekend events, with fans of Super League clubs being joined by many more who are new to the sport.
“Together with our city partners, we look forward to welcoming the rugby league community back to the North East for an unforgettable weekend.”
The 2025 line-up includes a repeat of the 2024 Betfred Challenge Cup Final between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves as the Sunday afternoon centrepiece – and a first ever Magic staging of the classic Super League rivalry between St Helens and Leeds Rhinos on Saturday night.
Wakefield Trinity will mark their return to Magic after a one-year absence from Super League with a match against their local rivals Castleford Tigers to round off the weekend on Sunday evening, and the action will kick off with two fixtures to revive memories of famous Million Pound Matches of the past – Leigh Leopards versus Catalans Dragons, and Hull KR against Salford Red Devils.
Sunday’s programme will kick off with Huddersfield Giants defending their impressive Magic Weekend record against a Hull FC team who will be desperate to bounce back after consecutive Magic defeats against Castleford and London Broncos.
Each of the 12 clubs has already been allocated an end of St James’ Park for their supporters.
Leigh Leopards, Hull KR and St Helens will be at the Gallowgate End on Saturday, with Catalans Dragons, Salford Red Devils and Leeds Rhinos at The Leazes. On Sunday, Hull FC, Wigan Warriors and Wakefield Trinity are at The Leazes, with Huddersfield Giants, Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers at the Gallowgate.
Rhodri Jones, Rugby League Commercial Managing Director, said: “We’re excited to confirm this return to St James’ Park and the city of Newcastle for the 18th Super League Magic Weekend in 2025.
“The feedback from our fans regarding a return to the North East has been overwhelmingly positive, and we have worked with Newcastle United, Newcastle City Council and NE1 to identify the May Bank Holiday weekend as the ideal slot.
“The players of Super League have produced so many thrilling matches and moments in the decade since Magic Weekend was first played at St James’, and we look forward to more in 2025.”
You can buy your 2025 Magic Weekend Tickets by clicking here.