How the 2022 Magic Weekend attendance compares to previous years
Photo credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images
The total attendance of 62,154 for the 2022 Magic Weekend in Newcastle was a steady improvement on last year.
It was the first year that two French sides had participated in Super League in the event, with Toulouse having replaced Leigh for the main event.
Toulouse had previously played at St James’ Park, when they met Toronto Wolfpack as a curtain raiser to the 2018 event.
The attendance on Saturday was the fourth most popular day in the 15 years since the concept was born.
MORE: Where and when should Magic Weekend be in 2023?
But the Sunday figure in 2022 – 25,333 – was the lowest daily attendance in Magic Weekend history.
Overall, the 2022 edition settles bang in the middle of a ranking of Magic Weekend attendances in 8th place.
- 68,276 – 2016 (Newcastle)
- 67,841 – 2015 (Newcastle)
- 65,407 – 2018 (Newcastle)
- 64,552 – 2014 (Manchester)
- 64,319 – 2018 (Newcastle)
- 63,716 – 2012 (Manchester)
- 63,144 – 2008 (Cardiff)
- 62,154 – 2022 (Newcastle)
- 62,042 – 2013 (Manchester)
- 60,866 – 2021 (Newcastle)
- 60,214 – 2011 (Cardiff)
- 59,749 – 2009 (Edinburgh)
- 58,831 – 2007 (Cardiff)
- 56,869 – 2019 (Liverpool)
- 52,043 – 2010 (Edinburgh)
It follows the pattern of all events since 2014, where the Saturday has been better attended than the Sunday. Only in 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013 has the reverse been true.
The peak day for the event came in 2015, the only time the 40,000 mark has been hit on a single day.
A total of 40,871 watched Widnes beat Salford, Hull FC triumph against derby rivals Hull KR and then Wigan beat Leeds.
The first three years in Newcastle created the biggest weekend attendances, and though there was a decline that saw the 2019 event moved to Liverpool, it appears to be heading in the right direction.
A COVID-impacted event in 2021 attracted 60,866, with this year’s adding another thousand or so on to that figure.
On the pitch, there was a crucial win for Toulouse over Wakefield to breathe life in to the relegation battle, while Saints prevailed in a thriller over Wigan and Leeds beat Castleford.
Huddersfield boast the best record at Magic Weekends following their win over Salford, with Warrington and Hull FC winning Sundays other matches.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Magic Weekend – when or where it will be played – but it’s fair to say that after 15 editions, it’s very much established itself as part of the rugby league calendar.
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