Magic record at the Etihad

The first Magic Weekend at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester created a new attendance record for the event.

A record 32,953 people turned up on Sunday, beating the previous daily best of 32,516 that was set at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff in 2008, to help nudge the overall attendance for the weekend to 63,716.

That was almost 600 more than the previous highest, also in 2008, and more than 3,500 more fans than last season’s event in Cardiff.

Super League chief executive Nigel Wood said: “I think Magic Weekend 2012 encapsulated all that is great about Rugby League: superb athletes delivering skilful and exciting entertainment to enthusiastic crowds in a terrific stadium.

“We witnessed some wonderful action out on the pitch and the players deserve rich praise for the high standard of play in the glorious sunshine.

“I would also like to thank the fans who turned out in their tens of thousands to create a carnival atmosphere both inside and outside the Etihad Stadium.

“Once again our supporters showed what Rugby League is all about and I’m sure they will turn out in even greater numbers over the coming months as the Super League season builds towards the Grand Final at Old Trafford in October.”

The de-brief into the sixth Magic Weekend will begin on Monday and will involve full consultation with all stakeholders, including Manchester City FC and Manchester Council, who were very supportive of the event.

“Manchester and Magic Weekend made for a very successful combination and clearly we will be exploring the opportunity to build on what we experienced over the last couple of days,” added Wood.