ESL - The Magic Weekend

[scott2478]

engage Super League have a 'Magic Weekend' each season that basically is a whole round of fixtures played over two-days at the **one** venue. In the past, this weekend has been played during the season; however in 2011 it will be the opening round of the season and will consist of 'local-derby' / 'traditional rivalry' games where possible. Check out their website: http://www.millenniummagic.co.uk

I think this is a great idea and would be a fantastic opening to a NRL season (or even a 'half-way' point of the season event). Some positives and negatives that I see are:

Positives:
- Massive start to an NRL season (good marketing / sponsorship opportunity - showcases the NRL);
- Could continue and emphasise the 'local derby' / 'traditional rivalry' of teams;
- Great value for money regarding ticketing (provided ticket prices are reasonable);
- Could be rotated between Brisbane / Sydney / Melbourne each year (or maintained at one venue);
- Revenue / Expenses could be split between clubs;
- Nothing else like it is conducted in Australia (as far as I am aware);

Negatives:
- 8 teams would potentially be giving up a 'home' game and its advantages;
- 8 'home' teams would potentially receive significantly less revenue than they would had their games been played at home;
- May not fit into existing draw compilation;
- Could be conflicts between sponsors / advertisers of clubs and stadium;
- Not sure it would work TV-wise due to current and future split between free-to-air and pay-TV;

What does everyone else think? Can you see it working in Australia? Would all teams be into it? Would fans be into it?

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

You'd have to have one Sydney side square off against an out of Sydney side to maintain the numbers. Can't see North QLD fighting it out against Melbourne drawing record crowds in Sydney. It's obviously much easier to stage in England because it's not nearly the logistical nightmare that Australia is for the teams and their fans.

Would most definitely have to be held at ANZ Stadium to hold the crowd would have to be staged as a gala event and priced accordingly to ensure that the weekend is profitable.

 

[Leroy_The_Tigers_Fan]

It's a big promotional thing that they take to non Rugby League venues, has been in Glasgow at Murrayfield for the last couple of years but with the Welsh side the Crusaders having a stellar season in 2010 it is back at Cardiff in Wales.
Basically the whole round is sold to the highest bidder, even if there's next to no crowd, refer 2010 at Murrayfield the whole weekend which is sponsored by the Government is a sucess because the fans spend up big and improve the local economy.
We have to go back to the 70's in Australia to recall the League-A-Thons played at the SCG for something similar, it's a great incentive for the Super League fans to get beyond their traditional boundaries.
A truly good idea would be for us Aussies to take on the Brits at their own game in a mini World Club Challenge circa (failed) 1997 Super League in a spectacular Super Duper Surely Magic Weekend, played over a short time space unlike the drawn out Murdoch/Ribot scheme of things circa 1997 Super League era.

 

[scott2478]

I don't necessarily think that would need to be the case cultered bogan. In theory there would be 4 games per day, which would see 4-5 sydney teams and 3-4 out of sydney teams playing each day. Having 4-5 sydney teams play each day should surely pull enough people to cover a potential game between two out of sydney teams (although I do admit this game would have to be played in the middle)?

I like the idea of the World Club Challenge from the super league days, however I can't see it working due to the difference in playing standards between the NRL and eSL (as noted in the four nations) and the fact it would mean the players play even more games each year (they are already whinging about how many they potentially play as it is).

 

[huddgiant01]

I go to this every year, and i will tell you somthing it is utter rubbish, the time of year it is freezing and it takes a age to get to cardiff from most northern clubs. I can see this working down under but it will never catch on up here.

 

[cunno]

When does the englis Superleague kick off and does anyone know whether it will be televised in Sydney? Fox used to show it then channel 9 took over haven't heard anything about next season??

 

[huddgiant01]

12/13 of Feb. Magic weekend is the first round of the season.