Magic Weekend heads to Everton Football Club’s Hill Dickinson Stadium

Rugby League will make a rapid return to Everton Football Club’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next July, with the 19th Super League Magic Weekend heading west to the Mersey waterfront.

After the outstanding success of the Ashes Test earlier this month, when a sell-out attendance of 52,106 made history for the first non-football event at Everton’s stunning new home, Rugby League Commercial today confirm that the 2026 Magic Weekend will be played at Hill Dickinson Stadium on the weekend of July 4-5.

The line-up of matches for Super League’s festival weekend, when fans of all clubs gather to support their teams and celebrate the sport, has also been confirmed – with a return of three of the classic derby matches which were played at the first Magic Weekend in Cardiff in 2007.

The 2025 Betfred Super League champions Hull KR will face their fierce local rivals Hull FC in the second of three matches on Saturday July 4.

Then on Sunday July 5, Bradford Bulls will play Leeds Rhinos at Magic Weekend for the first time since 2012, before the weekend ends with the traditional Super League blockbuster between Wigan Warriors and St Helens.

The weekend will kick off with York Knights making their Magic debut against Huddersfield Giants, and the first day action concludes with a Saturday night clash between Leigh Leopards and Warrington Wolves.

Sunday’s schedule begins with Wakefield Trinity facing Castleford Tigers, before the Leeds-Bradford and Wigan-Saints clashes.

Kick-off times will be confirmed in due course, and for the first time plans are being explored for a dedicated Magic fixture in France, with the match between Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique to be played at a neutral venue across the Channel.

Rhodri Jones, RL Commercial Managing Director:

“With memories still fresh of an unforgettable occasion for the Ashes Test, we’re delighted to be able to confirm a return to Hill Dickinson Stadium for the 2026 Betfred Super League Magic Weekend.

“This will be the seventh venue to stage Magic since it was introduced as a new concept for sport in 2007, and our clubs, players and supporters are in for a treat.

“It’s a stunning stadium with outstanding facilities at all levels, and also superbly located for summer on the waterfront, and with the many and varied attractions of Liverpool within easy reach.

“We’re looking forward to elevating our fan experience with a range of hospitality offers which proved so popular for the international, and the Plaza outside the stadium is perfect for Magic.

“We continue to work with the Dragons and Toulouse on the feasibility of delivering a very special event in France too, and we hope to be able to announce something in the near future on this.”

 Angus Kinnear, Chief Executive Officer, Everton Football Club:

“We are incredibly proud to be welcoming Magic Weekend to Hill Dickinson Stadium so soon after the outstanding success of the Ashes Test earlier this month. Hosting a sell-out crowd for the first major non-football event in our new home was a landmark moment for the Club, and a powerful demonstration of what this stadium and our city can deliver.

“With world-class facilities for players, officials and fans, superb sightlines, and an expansive Budweiser Plaza that lends itself perfectly to large-scale fan experiences, our waterfront home is the ideal location for Magic Weekend.

“We look forward to welcoming supporters from across the Rugby League community next July and showcasing, once again, the energy, ambition and hospitality that make Hill Dickinson Stadium and our city region such a special destination for major events.”

Fans are encouraged to pre-register their interest in Magic Weekend via www.superleague.co.uk/tickets/magic-weekend with ticket sales expected to go on sale later in 2025.

Betfred Super League Magic Weekend 2026 – Schedule

Saturday July 4

Huddersfield Giants v York Knights

Hull KR v Hull FC

Leigh Leopards v Warrington Wolves

Sunday July 5

Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers

Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls

Wigan Warriors v St Helens

French Magie (more details to follow)

Catalans Dragons v Toulouse Olympique

All kick-off times to be confirmed.