The feelgood factor around the start of the Betfred Super League season has been reflected in rapid ticket sales for the Magic Weekend at St. James’ Park in June.
Sales are already well into five figures for Super League’s summer celebration, well ahead of the equivalent stage in 2022 – mirroring the increase in attendances across the board for the first two rounds of the 2023 campaign.
Kick-off times for each of Sunday’s three fixtures – which include the meeting of the newly-crowned World Club Champions St Helens with the ambitious Huddersfield Giants – have been brought forward by half an hour for logistical reasons.
The Saints-Giants game will now kick off at 2.15pm, following the clash between Wakefield Trinity and Leigh Leopards which has now become a high noon showdown, with the sixth and last game of the weekend between Hull FC and Warrington Wolves – who have both won each of their two opening fixtures – kicking off at 4.30pm.
Saturday’s kick-off times are unchanged: Salford Red Devils v Hull KR at 1.30pm, Wigan Warriors v Catalans Dragons at 3.45pm, and Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers at 6pm.
A seventh fixture has been confirmed which will break new ground for the Magic Weekend, with the Year 10 Girls Final of the inspiresport Champion Schools being played on Saturday before the Salford-Hull KR game.
BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE MAGIC WEEKEND 2023
Saturday 3 June
Salford Red Devils v Hull KR (13:30)
Wigan Warriors v Catalans Dragons (15:45)
Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers (18:00)
*plus Year 10 Girls Final, inspiresport Champion Schools
Sunday 4 June
Wakefield Trinity v Leigh Leopards (12:00)
St Helens v Huddersfield Giants (14:15)
Hull FC v Warrington Wolves (16:30)