Rugby League fans split on whether Challenge Cup Final belongs at Wembley after RFL recommendations suggest move

As part of the club-led strategic review that was released earlier this week, one of the 144 recommendations was that the sport should consider a new venue for the Challenge Cup Final.

That idea has led to a ton of debate, and rugby league fans have been voicing their opinions as to whether the Challenge Cup should find a new home, or whether it belongs at the national stadium.

There are many reasons both for and against a shift in stadia, with Wembley having such a rich history within the sport, it would feel wrong to break the annual tradition and move it elsewhere.

However, by changing location, some argue that you can attract more fans from different areas of the country, create a more atmospheric event with more chance of a sell-out, and make the Final more of an occasion than it currently is.

We posed the question of whether the Challenge Cup Final should be moved away from Wembley to our readers over on Facebook.

After more than 220 comments, we have selected a few of the best ones. If you want to join in on the debate, you can do so by clicking here.

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Should the Rugby League Challenge Cup move away from Wembley Stadium?

Fans were split, with plenty keen for it to remain:

Mike Cooper: Keep it at Wembley but stop moving it around set the date in stone and build the event up again

Trevor Gibbons: No. Move it and any remaining magic will dwindle away.

Ryan L Cullen: No because challenge cup is like the FA Cup road to Wembley

Gregan Clarkson: No – it’s part of our history going down to London for the day

David Greaves: Been going to Wembley every year (apart from the new build) since 1974 It’s a great weekend away mixing with other fans and lapping up the atmosphere. Already booked tickets and hotel for May 30th It’s one of the highlights of my year!!

Chris Prowse: Not for me something special about going to Wembley to watch your team

However, others argued for a change, and even suggested other potential venues:

Steven J Pittock: Manchester Etihad would be fine not as far too travel then for any of the super league teams

Si Ledge: Think Newcastle would be a perfect fit great weekend city and a full house where everyone benefits and not to far from the heartlands of league

Dave Livesey: It’s a predominantly northern sport so the final should be in the heartland of the game

Philip Wooton: Yes – up north -a ground where the correct in goal areas can be obtained

Natalie Smith: I think it needs to be in a northern venue. Its a northern sport and with declining numbers, make it more affordable for a lot of working class fans.

Peter Hamilton: Move it to Spurs ground slightly smaller in attendance and still the London weekend experience

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