Record crowd for Magic Weekend
Magic Weekend has a new record attendance with 68,276 people attending the two days of Super League action in Newcastle.
39,331 were there at day one at St James Park and 28,945 turned up for day two.
Magic Weekend is in its second year in Newcastle with the destination for 2017’s event yet to be confirmed.
This was the tenth Magic Weekend after the concept was first introduced in Cardiff in 2007.
The RFL was hoping to break 70,000 but the 2016 edition was roughly 488 people up from last year.
RFL chief executive Nigel Wood, said: “The Dacia Magic Weekend has been an incredible success this year and once again Rugby League fans have turned out in force, creating an incredible atmosphere and helping to make this one of the most memorable weekends in the events history.
“Magic Weekend is a concept which is unique in British sport and the way in which the fans, clubs, volunteers and staff all embrace the occasion helps to make it a continued success.
“The stars of the event were, as always, the players, who delivered some unforgettable moments across both days that I am sure will live long in the memory of many fans.
“Results across the weekend show that the First Utility Super League is both extremely competitive and wide open this year, with just two points now separating the top four clubs. It promises to be an incredible end to the season.
Stephen Patterson, Director of Communications at NE1 Ltd and joint city sponsor of Magic Weekend Newcastle, commented: “We are delighted with the record attendance figures from this year’s Dacia Magic Weekend.
“Last year was a huge success with footfall up 37% across the weekend, licensed trade up over 40% and 99% occupancy for the city’s hotels. In addition to this, the Magic Weekend fans are a credit to their sport, creating a friendly festival atmosphere in the city across the weekend.”
“More detailed analysis on the economic impact of the event will be done in due course, but based on the record-breaking attendance figures across the weekend, initial estimates are that visitor spend for Magic Weekend was worth in excess of £4.23m to Newcastle.”