Magic Games : Sat May 02, 2009 7:57 pm  

Are the games as important as Sky make out. I know that all games are important but after Wigans win tonight Phil Clarke said it was a massive boost for them as it showed they could win on the big stage. Whats the difference from a win at the JJB to a win at Murrayfield.

: Sat May 02, 2009 9:38 pm  

I must admit, the Magic concept doesn't do it for me. I know a few people who have drove up just for the day today. Perhaps the fact I do similar if not longer day trips with my job put's me off the whole idea.

If I could afford a long weekend each year then it would perhaps be worthwhile. I'd rather spend my cash on a trip to France or a trip to somewhere warm like the Canaries though! A weekend in Scotland/Wales just doesn't float my boat!

So it's just another SL round to me.

: Mon May 04, 2009 2:18 pm  

I have to say I didn't attend the first two magic weekends for the same reason, it seemed a long way to go and an expensive way of watching a game in a 'normal' round of super league.

However, after going to Murrayfield this weekend, I have to say it was an absolutely fantastic weekend! I enjoyed all the matches, mixing with all the fans and even Cheggars and the mascot games after a few beers! It is a superb event and I shall definitely be going again next year. I urge everyone else to do likewise!

: Mon May 04, 2009 2:58 pm  

I agree, the whole weekend was superb.

It's a bit like the challenge cup weekend but a bit more chilled, I think the weather actually helped, I can't believe i went to Scotland and came back with sunburn lol

: Mon May 04, 2009 3:12 pm  

It's a good weekend. But, in it's current format, I don't think it does what it's ment to do and that is to broaden the appeal of the game. The figures include apx 6000 "local" tickets sold, however, I wonder if that's just tickets bought on the day by travelling fans.

I'm not deriding the concept. I went last year and had a great time. But, if it's not attracting the additional fans then it's a bit pointless really

[Bullseye]

: Mon May 04, 2009 5:42 pm  

I was doubtful about the concept but having just experienced it first hand I'd recommend it to anyone. I had a superb time.

Having good weather helps, certainly at Murrayfield where there aren't as many pubs near the ground as Cardiff. Instead everyone was sat outside the beer tents on the grass which was great.

Everywhere seemed to have a good atmosphere, no kn0bheads about at all. Definitely going next year too.

: Mon May 04, 2009 6:10 pm  

I'm not sure that the main thrust of Magic Weekend was to promote the game outside of the heartland, but as a concept it certainly works for me as a spectacle and festival of rugby.
Sure its only one round of Super league but what an enjoyable weekend for comaraderie with fans from all 14 clubs in celebratory good humoured mode.
Comparisons with Cardiff are hard to assess as there are plus points for each.
Cardiff: pubs and eateries around the stadium
Murrayfield: Plentiful hotels and cheap B&Bs, £1.20 from town to the stadium on the many buses, good range of catering franchises and loads of beer stalls at the ground itself. Liked the fact that you could walk all the way round the stadium perimeter. Agree that inclement weather could be a problem.
Both were really well organised and I'll be back next year. Hear its going to be Murrayfield

So what did everyone think of the magic weekend? : Mon May 04, 2009 6:36 pm  

Personally I'd think twice about going again, there just isn't enough around the ground, and the facilities in it leave a lot to be desired.

I think the whole weekend should have been left in Cardiff.

.There was nothing to see or do around the ground.

. Everything was too spread out.

.There was no decent concourse, meaning you had to trail a distance up and downstairs to get food.

.There was no atmosphere in the ground, it just didn't work due to the layout of it.



your thoughts please???

: Mon May 04, 2009 6:51 pm  

bobsmyuncle wrote:

Hear its going to be Murrayfield

Definitely is, they signed a two year agreement with the Scottish RFU.

[Bullseye]

: Mon May 04, 2009 6:53 pm  

Not having been to Cardiff I can't compare it with there but:

Thought there was plenty to do around the ground, there was the tag games on Saturday and the Fan Zone area was open behind the West Stand all weekend. There were lots of bars too. Perhaps less of a draw if you're teetotal but I enjoyed it.

I don't think it was that much of a trail. I was a bit knackered walking up to row X with a pint every so often but it wasn't that bad. The grub on sale was better quality and more variety than at any SL venue.

The atmos was up and down because of the size of the stadium and fans being spread around. Having said that it was ok amongst the Bulls fans in the East Stand and the Catalans fans made a lot of noise. Around the ground I thought the atmos was good with everyone in the right spirit which was surprising considering the amount of beer supped!

Like I said I didn't go to Cardiff but would if the event was there in future. I 'd also go back to Murrayfield.