So....gates were down by 3k on Saturday and 4.5k on Sunday.....no reason to panic, but to lose 7,750 people (13% against 2009) should worry the RFL.
I would like to see the event held in Dublin, London or Paris next. All three have the potential to be expansionist areas and all would cope easily with the influx of 35,000 people.
Dublin has a new 50,000 seater Rugby/Soccer Stadium in 8 days time. It is a 10 minute walk from the centre of town (with many pit-stop opportunities), good transport links and regular ferries from the UK, together with ample flights. The downside would be the associated costs of a weekend in Europes Drinking Capital......, but I still say that the Magic weekend would be a great success. Also, for those who despise Union (I still can't understand these people
)....what better way to stick to fingers up at the IRB than host a League event in their home town.
London has wembley or any number of stadiums that can comfortably hold 40,000 fans. All are pretty easy to get to and transport is getting a lot better.
Paris would be great! No issues getting there and plenty of hotel rooms, bars etc.......
IF the RFL are to keep the Magic weekend going, I believe they should miove it to the last May BH and continue to move it around.