Everton have landed a major financial opportunity for July 2026 thanks to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
As reported by Liverpool Echo, The Toffees' home saw off competition to be granted the 19th Super League Magic Weekend – one of the major events in the domestic rugby league calendar.
Everton beat Newcastle to Super League Magic Weekend
According to Liverpool Echo, the decision for the hosts of the Super League Magic Weekend in July by Rugby League Commercial came down to a choice between the Hill Dickinson Stadium and Newcastle United's St James' Park.
That was after initial consideration included a return to Cardiff's Principality Stadium, however Everton's toughest challenge came from the Newcastle venue, which had hosted a record eight Magic Weekends.
In its first non-football event since opening as Everton's new home for the 2025-26 season, the Hill Dickinson Stadium hosted a Rugby League Ashes contest between England and Australia in November 2025.
It is believed that the atmosphere at that game was a major factor in RFL Commercial's decision to host the showcase weekend, with players left impressed by the Toffees' new home on Bramley-Moore Dock.
Speaking to Liverpool Echo, Rhodri Jones, managing director of Rugby League Commercial said: “It is really exciting; first and foremost, we were in a position where we had two options: we could stay at Newcastle, or we were able to discuss with Everton the opportunity to bring rugby league back into the city and back to the stadium.”
“After a very successful Ashes event, both the football club and ourselves were able to move very quickly and get to a place where we were able to agree on the Magic Weekend returning to Liverpool, but to the Hill Dickinson this time.”
What benefits will the Super League Magic Weekend bring?
The granting of the Super League Magic Weekend is an exciting one for Everton and Merseyside, given the reported benefits received by hosts Newcastle in previous years.
In the years in which St James' Park was known as the home of the Magic Weekend, it is believed that the event brought in more than £10m into the local economy with an influx of supporters.
The weekend will see six Super League fixtures take place across two days, with defending Super League champions Hull KR taking on rivals Hull FC on Saturday 4 July.
Sunday 5 July's action will be headlined by a clash between giants Wigan Warriors and St Helens.
FGG says: Hill Dickinson Stadium investment continues to pay dividends
Everton's move from the iconic and beloved Goodison Park to Hill Dickinson Stadium has proven popular amongst supporters thus far, with the new home offering an impressive spectacle and a strong atmosphere.
Furthermore, the modernisation of the Toffees' home was bound to open new revenue and non-football opportunities, as proven by the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in previous years, and the Super League Magic Weekend may kick off more events allowing the eye-catching stadium to quickly begin repaying its development.