EPL Newcastle United's St. James' Park To Host 2015 Magic Weekend Rugby Event

EPL side Newcastle United's St. James' Park will host the 2015 Magic Weekend in May, when a "full round of Super League fixtures will be played over two days," according to the BBC. A new venue was required as Man City's Etihad Stadium "is not available because of building work." The 52,404-capacity stadium will host three matches on May 30 and three the next day. Coventry, which will host semi-professional rugby league from '15, "was thought to be under consideration, while City's Etihad is favourite to regain the event" from '16, when it will have a new capacity of 54,000 (BBC, 9/10). SKY SPORTS reported Magic Weekend was first staged in Cardiff in '07 and has also been held in Edinburgh as well as Manchester. Super League GM Blake Solly said, "We did receive interest in staging Magic Weekend from a number of other venues but none provided as good a fit as Newcastle for many reasons, including its transport links, hotel and accommodation options" (SKY SPORTS, 9/10).