Weekend Super League fixtures a ‘sore subject’ for clubs claims Derek Beaumont

The increased number of weekend fixtures in Super League is a ‘sore subject’ among clubs according to Leigh owner Derek Beaumont.

The Leopards owner made that claim during a video update on the membership sales for the club which have been soaring after two successful seasons back in Super League.

Leigh are one of the Super League clubs with a wide range of membership options ranging from their Red Card option at £60 for an adult, Gold Card (general season ticket) at £324 all the way to their Black Card at over £1,200.

That Black Card level is a high-end hospitality option but it’s the Red Card that their club owner was beaming about, declaring: “Make it a Red Christmas”.

Those with a red card can attend two games of their choice whilst there is also an array of other benefits making a brilliant gift to try and introduce someone to our brilliant sport.

That was the point that the Leigh owner was making as he referenced the discontent among Super League clubs about the increased number of Saturday and Sunday fixtures, as revealed in the recent fixture release.

Super League fixtures a ‘sore point’ for some clubs

🚨 2025 FIXTURES ARE LIVE 🚨

Full fixture list available on the #SuperLeague match centre 👇

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 21, 2024

Explaining the benefits of the Red Card, Beaumont said: “What a great gift, they’re getting two great days out. They can pick Wigan, they can pick Saints, they can pick Warrington, they can pick whoever they want.

“It might have Toploader on it, it might have T’Pau on, it might have the Beatles tribute, whatever. It’s a great night out.

“What a great gift to give someone that will have two family experiences. The people have taken that up and I’d like to see even more people do that.”

The Leigh owner also confirmed that he was to gift 100 to Compassion in Action, a charity in the area aimed at helping those in crisis as he encouraged others to buy the Red Card as a gift for others.

“Make it a Red Christmas. Give your family and friends a couple of great nights out,” he said, before noting the increased number of weekend fixtures.

“There are a couple of games on Saturday and Sunday this year, as we’ve seen in the fixtures which is a bit of a sore subject.

“I don’t think that there is a club out there enamoured with them but the story around that is to try as get as many eyes on as many different games.”

Friday evening fixtures have been a very desirable slot for clubs over the years with the hospitality market often doing well on those nights. Weekend fixtures with their afternoon kick-offs are generally less successful at that, which is potentially the ‘sore subject’ that Beaumont alluded to.

For fans on the sofa, it means more rugby league, something that Beaumont joked might spike the divorce rate among rugby league fans.

“If you’re an out-and-out rugby fan then you’ll love it because then you can get a game on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“I expect the divorce rate to go up among those who support rugby but my missus has given up with me a long time ago.”