Challenge Cup semi-final double header to be played at Macron Stadium
The Rugby Football League has announced that the 2018 Challenge Cup semi-finals will be played as a double header at Macron Stadium in Bolton on Sunday August 5.
It will be the first time in Challenge Cup history that the semi-finals will be played at one venue on the same day with every minute of the action being shown LIVE on the BBC.
But Macron Stadium, home of Bolton Wanderers FC, is no stranger to rugby league, having staged three World Club Challenge matches and three international Test matches there between 1998 and 2007.
On the double header, RFL interim chief executive Ralph Rimmer said: “The Ladbrokes Challenge Cup is one of the most prestigious competitions in sport and the introduction of a semi-finals double header is a fantastic opportunity to showcase two of the biggest games of the year at one event.
“Fans rarely get the chance to watch two games on one day that have so much riding on them and I am sure that everyone attending will have a fantastic time.
“The Dacia Magic Weekend, Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Final and the Betfred Super League Grand Final are all huge events in the sporting calendar and we know that they attract fans who do not regularly attend Rugby League games.
“We believe that this unique event will offer another opportunity for the sport to showcase itself to a wider audience of event goers and casual sports fans. We believe that by creating the double header for the semi-finals that we will elevate the games and create a memorable experience for all those involved.
“Rugby League prides itself on being innovative and trying new concepts meaning we are one of the very few sports who can put together an event with four semi-finalists at one venue, creating what we hope will be a fantastic occasion. Our thanks as ever go to our broadcast partner for the semi-finals, BBC Sport, who have worked to give us five hours of Rugby League coverage on their channels in one afternoon.”
The first semi-final will kick-off at 12:30pm with the second game getting underway at 2:45pm.
BBC head of TV sport Philip Bernie added: “BBC Sport and the Rugby Football League have been working for some time on this innovative idea and we are delighted the semi-finals of the most famous cup competition in Rugby League will be showcased in this way.
“It will be a five hour feast of Rugby League on Sunday August 5th, with that huge prize at stake – a Wembley final.”
Tickets for the double header start at £25 for adults and £12.50 for juniors. All four semi-finalist clubs will go on sale on Wednesday June 6 at 10am with club season ticket holders being entitled to a £4 discount in all categories.