#magicweekend

The upper tier of the East Stand at Etihad Stadium has been opened for the opening day of Magic Weekend to meet the massive demand for tickets from Rugby League fans.

From today, a further 2,500 tickets have gone on sale for the sporting spectacular which sees a full round of First Utility Super League fixtures played at one venue over two days on May 17 and 18.

All hospitality packages for Saturday have already sold out and general Magic Weekend tickets across both days are continuing to sell strongly, with extremely limited availability on the Saturday.

“Following consultation with the clubs and the stadium we have taken the decision to open the East Stand upper tier on the Saturday for the first time due to demand,” said Super League Marketing Director Mark Foster. “The opening day of the event is already guaranteed to be the best-attended Saturday in Magic Weekend history.

“Rugby League World Cup 2013 really showed how sporting fans enjoy the great experience major Rugby League events provide and the legacy from that can be seen in strong Magic Weekend ticket sales.

“Magic Weekend has captured the imagination of the sporting public once again and the extra tickets we have made available will ensure that as many fans as possible can experience what is now established as one of the highlights of the Rugby League calendar.”

The home of Manchester City hosts four matches on the Saturday May 17 commencing with Catalan Dragons v London Broncos at 12.30pm and followed by Widnes Vikings v Salford Red Devils at 2.45pm. The city of Hull then takes centre stage from 5.00pm with Hull Kingston Rovers v Hull FC before Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos and defending champions Wigan Warriors bring a memorable day to a close with a 7.15pm kick-off.

Sunday starts with two big West Yorkshire derbies, Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at 12.30pm and Bradford Bulls v Huddersfield Giants at 2.45pm and concludes with Warrington Wolves v St Helens at 5.00pm.

Tickets in the East Stand upper tier at Magic Weekend on Saturday May 17 cost £20 for adults and £10 for concessions. Tickets for Sunday May 18 costs from £25 for adults and £12.50 for concessions: weekend tickets cost from £40 (£20 concessions) and can be purchased by calling the 24-hour Rugby League Ticket Hotline on 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk.