Summer Bash stays in Blackpool

The Summer Bash will return to Blackpool in 2017 for the third year in a row.

The seaside resort will once again host a round of Kingstone Press Championship fixtures and the League 1 Cup Final and will take place across the Bank Holiday weekend of 27th and 28th May 2017 at Bloomfield Road, home of Blackpool FC.

A record crowd of just under 16,000 Rugby League fans attended the Summer Bash in 2016.

Next year they will include the fans of Hull KR who will make their first trip to Blackpool for the event, taking on Bradford Bulls in what will be one of the most anticipated games of the weekend.

The League 1 Cup Final will again kick off proceedings on Saturday at 12pm followed by a local derby between Oldham and newly promoted Rochdale Hornets at 2.30pm.

Two of the top performing teams in the 2016 Kingstone Press Championship will meet at 4.45pm when Featherstone Rovers take on London Broncos before Bradford Bulls and Hull KR round off the opening day when they meet at 7pm.

The 2017 Summer Bash will once again be shown live on Sky Sports and the Sunday will see Swinton Lions open proceedings against Sheffield Eagles at 12.45pm. 

New to the Kingstone Press Championship and at their first ever Summer Bash, Toulouse Olympique XIII will take on Halifax at 3pm before a highly anticipated local derby between Batley Bulldogs and Dewsbury Rams at 5.15pm brings the 2017 event to a close.

RFL Chief Operating Officer, Ralph Rimmer, said: “The Summer Bash is always a fantastic event and one that many fans love to attend.

“Last year 16,000 passionate fans came to Blackpool and watched some outstanding action.

“The game between Leigh and Bradford was one of the most exciting games of 2016 and I am certain that some of the pairings this year will provide some memorable matches.

“It is always a memorable weekend showcasing the Kingstone Press Championship and the very best of League 1 and we are all very proud to be taking it back to Blackpool in 2017.”

The 2017 Summer Bash fixtures are as follows:

Saturday 27th May

League 1 Cup Final                                       12:00

Oldham v Rochdale Hornets                          14:30

Featherstone Rovers v London Broncos        16:45

Bradford Bulls v Hull KR                               19:00

Sunday 28th May

Swinton Lions v Sheffield Eagles                   12:45

Toulouse Olympique v Halifax                       15:00

Batley Bulldogs v Dewsbury Rams                17:15