Magic Weekend to kick off 2011 season
The 2011 Engage Super League season will kick off in magical style with all seven first round fixtures taking place beneath the closed roof of Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
The return of Millennium Magic after a two-year absence will see the new Super League season make the most explosive start in the competition’s history as 14 clubs go head to head over the weekend of February 12 and 13.
Details of Millennium Magic 2011 fixtures and ticket availability will be announced in the coming weeks and Super League’s Director of Events and Projects Sally Bolton said Rugby League fans are in for a treat at one of the sport’s most popular venues.
“The Millennium Stadium has hosted some memorable Rugby League matches and I’m sure supporters of every club will not want to miss out on what promises to be a truly magical weekend,” said Bolton.
“The stadium’s closed roof means that fans can watch all seven games in comfort over what I’m sure will be two days that will prove to be highlights of the 2011 sporting calendar.”
Millennium Stadium hosted the first two Magic Weekends in 2007 and 2008 before the event moved north of the border to Edinburgh, where full rounds of Engage Super League were staged at Murrayfield in 2009 and 2010.
The return to Cardiff follows a lengthy period of consultation involving the 14 Engage Super League clubs, Rugby League supporters and a number of major venues who had expressed a desire to stage the event.
“The clubs were very keen on continuing with Magic Weekend and much of the feedback we got from fans was that as much as they loved the event, they missed Millennium Stadium,” added Bolton.
“We have some very happy memories of the last two years at Murrayfield and would like to extend our thanks to the SRU for their support and assistance.
“However we have listened to what the clubs and fans wanted and are looking forward to putting together a spectacular opening to the new season at Millennium Stadium next February.”
Millennium Stadium General Manager Gerry Toms said: “We are delighted at the news that Rugby League’s Engage Super League is returning to Cardiff next February.
“The Millennium Magic weekend has always been a colourful affair in the city, giving Rugby League fans the opportunity to sample some Welsh hospitality. It is another example of how the Millennium Stadium attracts a wide variety of sports and events to the Welsh capital.
“The weekend will no doubt produce a day of exciting and competitive games between all 14 clubs including our own Crusaders RL.”