Magic Weekend curtain raiser aims for crowd record
Newcastle Thunder will aim to beat the club’s record attendance when they welcome Bradford as a curtain raiser to Magic Weekend.
The Bulls will travel to Kingston Park on Friday July 8 (8pm), before the 12 Super League clubs descend on St James’ Park on Saturday and Sunday.
Thunder’s record crowd – 6,631 – was set against the Bulls in their sole season in Super League back in May 1999.
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Supporting Northern Pride
The match will also be run in partnership with Northern Pride, weeks before Newcastle hosts UK pride.
The club says it wants to demonstrate its ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community and continue to promote the importance of inclusivity within sport.
Northern Pride director Ste Dunn said: “We are huge fans of Newcastle Thunder, so it is amazing to have their support for Northern Pride during Magic Friday.
“We all know the benefits sports can have for improving both mental and physical health, which is why it’s fantastic that the team is working so hard to make sure that the sport is inclusive and a safe space for everyone.
“Magic Friday is sure to be a brilliant event and we’re so grateful to be involved, with all fundraising throughout the day going towards keeping the UK Pride weekend free for everyone to enjoy.”
Magic Friday
Taking place on Newcastle’s Town Moor, a whole host of events are planned in the run up to Northern Pride, with tens of thousands of people expected to be attracted to the city in the run up to and during the 3-day festival.
Newcastle Thunder chairman Keith Christie said: “We’re delighted to be working teams from Northern Pride and Pride Radio on this year’s Magic Friday.
“Inclusivity is a major focus for rugby league, and for sport more generally.
“With Magic Friday taking place two weeks before UK Pride festival, we recognise this unique opportunity to further bolster awareness for Pride; and continue to inform those in the sports community about the importance of creating an inclusive environment at what will hopefully be our biggest game of the season.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with the LGBTQ+ community; and to introduce members to rugby league and Thunder for the first time.
“We have some exciting plans to announce in due course. I’m sure everyone who joins us at Kingston Park will enjoy a match day that all members of the Thunder family will be talking about for many years to come.”
Magic Weekend fixtures
Saturday 9 July
- 2:30pm – Wakefield Trinity v Toulouse Olympique
- 4:45pm – St Helens v Wigan Warriors
- 7pm – Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers
Sunday 10 July
- 1pm – Huddersfield Giants v Salford Red Devils
- 3:15pm – Catalans Dragons v Warrington Wolves
- 5:30pm – Hull KR v Hull FC
For Magic Weekend tickets, click here