Championship Magic Weekend set for Blackpool?

A Magic Weekend for Championship clubs next season looks likely to be played at Bloomfield Road, home of Blackpool Football Club.

The 17,338 capacity stadium previously hosted Northern Rail Cup finals up until 2012, and is being lined up to host six games across two days, to replicate the Super League version that currently takes place at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.

Blackpool FC secretary Matt Williams revealed in a diary entry with local newspaper, the Blackpool Gazette: “My first meeting of the day is with a delegation from the Rugby Football League as they are looking for a venue to stage a Championship version of the Super League’s “Magic Weekend”.

“The weekend will see six games of Rugby League played over two days in May 2015.

“Having played Rugby League to a high standard many years ago until suffering a knee injury it is something I am personally keen for the club to host.

“I am also interested in repairing the relationship between the club and the RFL as I believe there is still sufficient interest on the Fylde and surrounding areas in Rugby League.

“I discuss with them whether the RFL or Super League would have any objections to someone like London Broncos using Bloomfield Road to host a Wigan or St Helens side and they think it is a great idea and give the contact details for the Broncos.”

Super League and the Championship will comprise of 12 teams each in 2015, following the game’s well-publicised and much-maligned re-structure.