Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium is set to host the 2026 Betfred Super League Magic Weekend in July, marking another major event for the Mersey waterfront and the wider city region. The two-day festival is expected to generate a multimillion-pound boost locally, building on the momentum from this month’s Ashes Test, which drew a sell-out crowd of 52,106 and marked the first major non-football event at the venue. This event underlines what the focus key phrase describes as the Hill Dickinson Stadium Magic Weekend impact.
The Magic Weekend will take place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July, featuring a full round of fixtures across both days. Among the highlights are the return of three classic derby encounters, echoing the excitement of the inaugural Magic Weekend in 2007. Supporters from across the Rugby League community will enjoy world-class stadium facilities and the vibrant Budweiser Plaza, which will host fan activations throughout the festival.
Angus Kinnear, chief executive of Everton FC, spoke about the significance of the event. He said: “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.”
He added: “With world-class facilities for players, officials and fans, superb sightlines, and an expansive 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.”
Rhodri Jones, managing director at RL Commercial, echoed the excitement. He said: “With memories still fresh of an unforgettable occasion for the Ashes Test, we’re delighted to be able to confirm a return to the 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.”
The announcement highlights Everton’s growing reputation as a destination for major sporting events beyond football. With its combination of modern facilities, fan-friendly spaces and a central waterfront location, Hill Dickinson Stadium is increasingly recognised as a venue capable of delivering large-scale events that benefit both the club and the surrounding region.
