Beaumont explains that doubt over the quality of rugby led to amazing pre-match entertainment

Leigh Leopards has been the home of some amazing pre-match entertainment in 2023.

Owner Derek Beaumont has explained the key reasons behind why he has pursued this pre-match entertainment so much.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester, Beaumont revealed that he couldn’t be sure of the rugby so he had to create an event:

“I think facility wise, I mean the size of facility we’ve got is perfect. It’s something that we can fill and create a great atmosphere in rather than something that’s too big.

“Then it was a case of we didn’t know how great it was going to go with the rugby so you’ve got to create an event, if you can come out and you’re in there early, you’re listening to good quality music on a PA, it doesn’t always have to be a Scouting For Girls or a T’Pau.

“We’ve had a tribute band on, we’ve had a wedding band on, we’ve got bigger acts than we’ve had on coming on without giving too much away. So you create an event that you come, you have a good night, you ultimately get good service and well after you see some fireworks, the flags waving and it just generates the mood amongst the people and then of course the products on the field will always be the bit that really raises the atmosphere.

“As Lammy says, winning takes care of everything and the minute we’re doing that more than we’re not, so that’s massively helping.

“So at the minute, we’re going good. We’ve got young kids in there, we’ve got families in there.

“Another point that shows it works is the number of away fans that’s come, Salford filled there and some, so did Saints, so did Warrington, so did Wigan, so teams are looking at it and thinking, yeah, let’s go there, that’s going to be a good event, so I think that tells its own story as well.”