Super League Magic Weekend history made as attendance revealed

The attendance for Super League Magic Weekend has been confirmed with history being made in the event’s 18th year.

Magic Weekend returned to its spiritual home of Newcastle this year after one year at Elland Road and that return, coupled with the return to the early May Bank Holiday weekend, has seen the showpiece Super League event record brilliant attendance figures.

Rugby League Commercial have confirmed that the total attendance across the two days was 64,156 which is the best since 2018 but more impressive is the fact that for the first time ever, the Sunday has seen more fans turn out than on the Saturday.

A crowd of 32,862 turned out on Sunday at St James Park which is the highest figure for a Sunday in Magic Weekend’s 18-year history and it also marks the first time that the second day has surpassed the first.

Saturday’s crowd was recorded at 31,294 to combine for the 64,156 across the two days.

Super League Magic Weekend records highest crowd since 2018

News of the attendance was confirmed by Rugby League Commercial who released a statement and confirmed that an announcement for Magic Weekend in 2026 could come early.

Rhodri Jones, the Managing Director of RL Commercial, said: “It’s been a successful and enjoyable return to Newcastle for the sport and the Betfred Super League competition, and we are delighted to have attracted our highest Magic attendance for seven years including the best-ever Sunday crowd.

“It maintains the momentum that has been building since our record opening night attendance in February, the historic Super League fixture in Las Vegas in March, and a record-breaking Rivals Round in April.”

He also conceded: “Magic is about more than numbers and statistics – the warmth of the welcome we have received from Newcastle United, Newcastle City Council, NGI and NE1 has been appreciated by tens of thousands of Rugby League supporters who have travelled from all over the country to celebrate the sport, in a weekend which remains unique domestically, and has now been replicated in Australia.

“As ever with Magic, we’ve added some new features in 2025, especially for fans in and around the stadium, and worked with Betfred on raising money for the MND Association through try celebrations – and also built on the elements which have proved so popular such as the Learning Disability Super League Festival in partnership with Community Integrated Care, and supported as ever by Sky Sports.

“We’ll review the weekend and look forward to making an early announcement about the 19th Magic Weekend in 2026.”

An amazing return to Newcastle 🙌

Thank you for attending #MagicWKND 👏#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/I4TIVvVXXr

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 4, 2025