​Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images. Rugby League is often undervalued and under-appreciated, lacking the media backing and attention that Rugby Union receives. Yet, when it shines at its best, in my view it presents a far more compelling spectacle. Hill Dickinson Stadium is quickly becoming a home away from home for Rugby League, a trend that is accelerating as the sport grows deeper roots there.
Arguably the only real success story from the Rugby League Ashes last autumn was Everton’s impressive new dock-side venue hosting the second Test. The design and atmosphere drew high praise from all involved, and some Australian pundits even spent weeks after the series praising the venue on podcasts. It was therefore fitting that the Rugby Football League (RFL) selected Everton for a major showcase, with the 2026 Magic Weekend confirmed to be heading to Hill Dickinson Stadium, following that Ashes Test. The move from St James’ Park proved a smart one.
Insights from the official Super League website highlighted this season’s event as the biggest Magic Weekend pre-sale in history. A total of 82,925 fans attended the seven matches, six of which took place at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Sunday’s attendance at the stadium reached 42,903, marking the largest single-day crowd in the event’s history.
There was no delay in cementing Everton as the home for next year’s Magic Weekend as well. Even before Sunday’s slate of matches began, it was announced that Everton would host Magic Weekend 2027, not in July but on the first bank holiday weekend in May. Everton will be away from home for that edition, a factor that could influence attendance, though there are other considerations at play.
Meanwhile, four Super League clubs are set to travel to Dublin for a mini-Magic the weekend before. There’s also a novelty factor at work: many fans attended to see Britain’s newest, shiniest stadium for the first time. The venue’s setting is exceptional: the fan plaza serves as the perfect gathering point, and during my Sunday visit it was never less than half full. Fans enjoyed the summer sun, grabbed a bite to eat, and sipped drinks while Rugby League-themed games kept the kids entertained.
This coming Saturday, Fiji will face England in a Rugby Union clash. Once again, it’s clear that Hill Dickinson Stadium—now widely referred to in Rugby League circles as Everton—offers a remarkable stage for high-profile sporting occasions. The venue’s appeal extends beyond the field, complementing the overall experience with strong facilities, convenient logistics, and a welcoming atmosphere that suits both players and supporters alike. The trajectory suggests Hill Dickinson Stadium will continue to play a central role in rugby league’s evolving story, while also presenting a compelling option for other major events in the years ahead.