Rugby league fans have reacted after the second-lowest Magic Weekend and lowest day-attendance in history were recorded at Elland Road this year.
Despite RL Commercial calling ‘Magic WKND’ a success, the attendance was over 10,000 people lower than last year in Newcastle, and has caused many people to
Rhodri Jones, the head of RL Commercial, said on Sky Sports: “We look across various metrics [to determine success], and clearly, there’s a commercial element to it. Is the weekend profitable? The answer is yes to that.
“Do we service our broadcast contract? Yes. Do we service our commercial partners? Yes.”
The first day did give us some big attendances, but at times on Sunday in particular, a sea of empty blue seats could be seen.
Rugby league fans are, mostly, unhappy.
“Worst decision…” – Rugby League fans react to dismal Magic Weekend attendance
Credit: Imago Images
Many saw Elland Road, some way out of the city centre, in Beeston, as a poor choice of venue.
Ian Walker: I’ve been to most of the magic venues and this was the worst one by a country mile – very dated stadium is an understatement
Ernie Holme: Me and my wife normally go to magic. Newcastle was great, so was Cardiff, Liverpool was ok, so was the Etihad. But been to Leeds United ground once before and was not impressed at all – so did not even bother getting tickets this year. Probably the second worst decision the RFL has made, just behind getting IMG involved in the sport.
Martyn Brown: People want a weekend away, Beeston Leeds isn’t the place!
The competition isn’t great at the moment so it’s to be expected.
Some suggested the reason for low attendances was partially down to the event being during the school holidays, but another timing issue was mentioned.
Mike Heaton: Magic weekend on the same weekend as the start of the Premiership is probably not the wisest idea.
Others seemed to see no positives at all from the event.
Brad Shaw: Worst decision bringing it to Leeds especially Elland Road. If there was no better choices may as well not bothered. Nothing around the stadium. Refs are getting worse. 9 sin bins in total. Rules a soft. Nothing good to watch anymore.
James Butterworth: Bad venue, bad time of year, all round bad decision by the RFL. Let’s hope it’s a lesson learned and it goes somewhere better next year 🤞🏻
But with the RFL involved probably not.
However, there were some feel-good stories from the weekend, so it wasn’t all bad.
Credit: Imago Images
Robert Madigan: We went yesterday, it was our first time at a MW event and we thoroughly enjoyed it, as neutrals. Yes the ground is old skool but it was well organised, friendly staff, small queues at bars and a good craic. Leeds is a nice city centre and buses to ER and back were plentiful and organised. I’m sure some people just like to moan for moanings sake.
Mark Brough: Saturday looked very well packed inside elland road a great atmosphere….well done to staff inside and outside the ground….everyone looked happy over the road at the Old peacock Pub we had a great time ….A True Yorkshire Welcome
