The 2023 Magic Weekend attracted a crowd of 63,269. A second-day attendance of 26,326 saw the event post its highest overall crowd in five years and the biggest since the concept returned to St James' Park.
The opening day figure of 36,943 was the fourth-highest single-day attendance since the event was launched in 2007 while the overall figure further cemented Newcastle's dominance as the popular location with rugby league supporters. This was the sixteenth Magic Weekend and five of the six best attended have been in the Toon.
It adds weight behind the growing calls for Magic Weekend to remain on the calendar next year. Fans and clubs are in favour of its return and a strong outing, in front of IMG officials, could see them change their minds about scrapping the weekend festival. The sport's strategic consultants have toyed with the idea of replacing it with a new event but haven't been forthcoming with their plans.
Read more: Magic Weekend 2023 LIVE: Updates as Rugby League fans arrive for day two at St James' Park
Now, with Magic Weekend proving to still be popular, it appears that there is an increasing likelihood it is in place for at least another year. The concept has travelled the UK, Cardiff was the first host city and has been followed by stints in Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle.
Many now see St James' Park as its spiritual home and Newcastle United's stadium has grown its relationship with rugby league after hosting last year's World Cup opener between England and Samoa.
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