The reasons behind the Championship Bash’s move to York after stint at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium
Picture by Will Palmer/SWpix.com - 14/11/2022 - Rugby League - Rugby League World Cup 2021 - Semi Final - Australia v Papua New Guinea - LNER Community Stadium, York, England - A general view of LNER Community Stadium in York prior to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup Semi Final match between Australia and Papua New Guinea
The Championship Bash is headed to a new venue in 2023.
After the event started at Blackpool, it was held at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley in 2022 with 10,000 fans.
Now the event is headed to York’s LNER Stadium.
It is a divisive decision especially as it set to give York RLFC an extra home fixture but has allowed them to give centre stage to their women’s side as they take on Warrington Wolves in the closing game of the event.
But why was the decision made?
Mark Foster, the RFL’s Chief Commercial Officer explains the reasons why: “The LNER Community Stadium and the city of York are exciting new venues for the Betfred Championship Summer Bash in 2023.
“York has been a key venue through the Rugby League World Cup, including staging a superb event for the Women’s Semi Finals with a record rugby crowd at the LNER Community Stadium of more than 7,000, and as a popular base for a number of teams.
“There will be a fresh feel to the Bash in 2023, with the return of Toulouse Olympique, Swinton Lions and Keighley Cougars whose derby match against Bradford Bulls promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend.
“We are also delighted to include a Betfred Women’s Super League fixture in the programme, reflecting York’s rapid progress in the competition in recent years, and also Warrington’s success in earning promotion to the top tier.”