Magic Weekend heading to Yorkshire for first time as schedule for Elland Road event revealed

Newcastle is viewed as Magic Weekend's spiritual home but logistical issues have opened the door for Leeds to become the sixth hosts since its inception in 2007.

After seven years at St James' Park either side of Anfield and the Covid cancellation, the event will head to Elland Road on August 17 and 18.

Hull FC kick off the weekend against Super League new boys London Broncos before champions Wigan Warriors lock horns with old foes St Helens and Leeds Rhinos take on Warrington Wolves in the final match of day one.

Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils face off in Sunday's opening game, followed by an intriguing match-up between Hull KR and Catalans Dragons.

West Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers will bring the curtain down on the two-day event.

RL Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones said: “Magic Weekend is going to have a different feel in 2024 as a result of the return to a date later in the summer to move away from the Betfred Challenge Cup final in June and the non-availability of St James’ Park which has proved such a popular venue for the last three years.

“We are delighted to have agreed a deal with Leeds United FC to stage Magic Weekend at Elland Road, one of the biggest and best stadia in the north of England.”

It represents a stay of execution for Magic Weekend after clubs opposed IMG's plans to scrap the event, which was staged in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Manchester before moving on to Liverpool and Newcastle.

Elland Road has a history of hosting rugby league, from the first international at the stadium in 1921 to last year's Challenge Cup triple-header and the epic World Cup semi-final between Australia and New Zealand.

For that reason, it is viewed as an underwhelming choice among fans who view Magic Weekend as an opportunity to take the sport on the road.

Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear said: “Over recent years we have held some fantastic events at Elland Road, with some of the biggest games in rugby league including the World Cup semi-final in 2022, along with England men’s and women’s international football fixtures and Josh Warrington’s world title boxing fight.

“We are thrilled to be adding the 2024 Magic Weekend to that list. It is great for us as a club and will also bring economic benefits to the whole city of Leeds.

“Everyone knows what a special venue Elland Road is and we’re all looking forward to another great spectacle.”

The full schedule for the 2024 Super League season will be released on Thursday morning.

Magic Weekend line-up

Saturday, August 17

Hull FC v London Broncos

Wigan Warriors v St Helens

Warrington Wolves v Leeds Rhinos

Sunday, August 18

Leigh Leopards v Salford Red Devils

Catalans Dragons v Hull KR

Huddersfield Giants v Castleford Tigers