Why the Summer Bash is heading to York in 2023 and not Blackpool

York will become the third place to host the Summer Bash in 2023 after the Rugby Football League confirmed Blackpool’s unavailability.

The Championship’s showpiece event was hosted at Bloomfield Road, the home of Blackpool FC, for consecutive seasons between 2015-20.

There was no Summer Bash in 2021 after the season was cancelled due to the pandemic. The Summer Bash was then held at Headingley, the home of Leeds Rhinos, in 2022.

And York’s LNER Community Stadium will host the showpiece for the first time in 2023.

The RFL press release read: “The Summer Bash was first played in 2015 at Bloomfield Road in Blackpool which remained the venue until 2019.

“It has not been available in 2022, when the Bash was played at Headingley, or in 2023, hence the move to York.”

Summer Bash tickets now on sale

The event will be held on the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend of May 27-28 at the LNER Community Stadium.

Tickets go on sale today, and the RFL say demand is expected to be high for the 8,500-capacity venue.

For season ticket holders of Championship clubs, tickets are available direct from each club at 50% off full price, with day tickets from £10 adults and £5 Under-16s. Weekend tickets are from £17.50 adults and £8.75 Under-16s.

In addition, a limited number of full priced tickets are available on general sale at eticketing.co.uk/rugbyleague, with day tickets from £20 Adults and £10 Under-16s, with weekend tickets from £35 for adults and £17.50 for Under-16s.

2023 fixtures:

Saturday, May 27

Widnes Vikings v Swinton Lions

Whitehaven v Barrow Raiders

London Broncos v Toulouse Olympique

Featherstone Rovers v York Knights

Sunday, May 28

Newcastle Thunder v Sheffield Eagles

Halifax Panthers v Batley Bulldogs

Keighley Cougars v Bradford Bulls

York Valkyrie v Warrington Wolves (Women’s Super League)

Summer Bash kick-off times are to be confirmed.

More Championship content

2023 Summer Bash fixtures confirmed as York hosts Championship event

List of when every club is heading to France in 2023

2023 Championship televised fixtures confirmed

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast