Challenge Cup semi-finals attendance boost as one tie sells out

The 2025 Challenge Cup semi-finals are set to beat 2024’s attendance records as both double headers look set for bumper crowds across the weekend.

The RFL has confirmed that Saturday’s semi-final double header, which sees the women’s teams Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors kick off at 12pm before the men’s semi-final between Hull KR and Catalans Dragons at 2.30pm, has officially sold out.

At York’s LNER Community Stadium, the capacity is 8,500, and with the majority of the support travelling from Hull and the surrounding area, it will have the feeling of a home game for Rovers.

Sunday’s double header of St Helens v York Valkyrie in the women’s fixture, followed by Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards in the men’s semi-final at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium, has sold over 12,500 tickets.

With a combined attendance figure of over 21,000, that is set to smash last year’s semi-final crowds.

In 2024, 9,253 turned up to watch on as Warrington beat Huddersfield Giants, with that fixture also at the Totally Wicked.

A crowd of 11,163 travelled to Doncaster’s Eco-Power Stadium, where eventual winners Wigan Warriors beat Hull KR in the second semi-final.

A total of 20,416 across the two games will surely be beaten in 2025 in York and St Helens.

Challenge Cup semi-finals: who will make it to Wembley?

There’s a place at Wembley at stake for all sides competing, but for the men’s Super League sides, it could be their only chance of silverware in 2025.

Hull KR sit at the top of the table currently, having only lost once in 2025 so far, but haven’t lifted the Challenge Cup trophy since 1980.

Catalans Dragons haven’t reached the final since 2018, but that year was a historic day as they took the trophy back home to France with them.

Warrington Wolves have nine Challenge Cup trophy wins to their name, but following last year’s loss, they haven’t won since 2019.

Leigh Leopards round out the semi-finalists and are the most recent winners of the quartet, beating Hull KR in Golden Point back in 2023.

With all four games shown across the BBC this weekend, TV viewing figures could be healthy for rugby league.

Regardless of the results, this year’s competition and attendances show that the magic of the Challenge Cup is still alive and kicking.