Magic Weekend Fans Guide
Magic Weekend takes over the City of Newcastle for a seventh time this weekend as Wigan Warriors face Catalans Dragons at St James’ Park on Saturday
Fans from across the sport will gather in Newcastle to celebrate the start of Summer with a festival of Rugby League. Get ready to be on the edge of your seat for six HUGE clashes as the battle for the top six remains WIDE open.
And that’s not all. Be inspired by the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League that will take place on the pitch both days, as well as a big clash between Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors Physical Disability Rugby League sides. You can also enjoy interactive games, interviews with past players, and a DJ to keep the party going.
Take advantage of the unique pass-out system and unreserved seating, which means can pass in and out the stadium to explore the jam-packed Fan Zone on Strawberry Place. While you’re there, grab a drink and bite to eat, get involved in the games and competitions, or even snap a photo with the Betfred Super League trophy.
Make this Magic Weekend one to remember.
Travel Update
Trains
Newcastle Central Station is around a 10-minute walk from St. James’ Park. Due to industrial action taking place this weekend, trains will not be running from Wigan North Western to Newcastle on Saturday 3 June. While services are planned to go ahead on Sunday, travellers are advised to expect disruptions. Plan your train journey HERE.
By Public Bus
Newcastle upon Tyne has two major bus stations for local and regional services – Haymarket, for services to and from Northumberland and the North, and Eldon Square, for services to and from County Durham and the South. Both are located on Percy Street, a five-minute walk from St. James’ Park.
Newcastle Coach Station is on St. James’ Boulevard and receives National Express coach services, while Megabus operates services from outside Newcastle Central Station. More information on local bus services can be found HERE.
Fan Coaches
Our Official Club Tyrers Coaches – only running on Saturday – will depart Robin Park Arena at 8am on Saturday 3 June, and will return after the third and final game of day one ends (Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers, 6pm K.O.).
All our official club coach tickets have now sold out. Any uncollected tickets must be picked up from Robin Park Arena by 3pm this afternoon.
Minibuses
Only drop-offs are permitted outside the stadium. If you are planning for longer stay parking, return in same direction to crossroads adjacent to BBC. Turn right onto Hunters Road. Follow for ¼ mile to Claremont Road junction and turn left. Parking will be located on the right-hand side.
Car
Fans are encouraged to car share where possible. Please note parking is limited, however, there are number of public car parks signposted clearly within Newcastle city centre, though be warned – they are likely to be extremely busy during Magic Weekend!
Parking for the above mentioned vehicles is available on-site in the stadium car parks on a pre-pay basis only. To purchase a pass, please contact NUFC on 0191 201 8558.
Magic Weekend offers at The Gate
The Gate is just a 5 minute walk from St James’ Park, located on Newgate Street, and is home to a variety of food, drink and leisure venues from some of your favourite venues including Nandos, Pizza Hut and Cineworld with great offers available every day. Full details HERE.
The Mayfair Pub and Kitchen
The Mayfair Pub and Kitchen is the friendliest pub in the city and promises home cooked food, locally produced craft beers, gins and cocktails in a relaxed and welcoming environment that’s family friendly.
Home cooked quality pub grub and home cooked pizzas are served every day along with their very popular all-day breakfast and traditional Sunday lunches with home-made Yorkshire puddings! Plus a full range vegan dishes and healthy options are available on the menu.
Offer: Magic Weekend Ticket Holders can get 20% off food.
The Mayfair will be showing all fixtures and games across their 11 screens. Click HERE.
The Hustle
The Hustle bar, grill and disco lounge offers customers a friendly, inclusive luxury experience, with a New York tapas style menu and a modern cocktail menu.
Explore their well-travelled wine list, sip cocktails created by their expert mixologists, and sample beers from the best breweries around.
Offer: Magic Weekend Ticket Holders can get 20% off the food bill. Click HERE.
The Wonderbar
There’s something for everyone at The WonderBar.
Enjoy a bite to eat from their tasty food menu with daily deals available and children’s meals from as little as £3.99 including a free Fruit Shoot.
The WonderBar drinks menu includes an extensive range of beers and cocktails. A Happy Hour is available every Sunday to Friday, 5-7pm with selected cocktails for just £3.
Offer: Magic Weekend Ticket Holders can get 2 bottles of Moretti or Heineken for just £6. Refillable coffees for just 99p will be available all weekend too. Click HERE.
MOJO
With Music for the people, food for the soul and Good Times forever, MOJO serves up great original and classic cocktails, beers and Americana food to a soundtrack of great Rock n Roll from the last five decades.
Plus, with shuffleboard tables and beer pong there’s no shortage of fun to be had!
Offer: Magic Weekend ticket holders can enjoy the MOJO £12 Meal Deal (which includes any main and selected drink) and 2-4-£15 cocktails. Click HERE.
The CTRL Pad
The CTRL Pad is Newcastle’s very own gaming lounge, packed with retro and bang up to date games and setups.
Gamers can enjoy over 200 games going back over 30 years across consoles including Sony PS4, PS3, PS2, PS1, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Wii, GameCube, N64, Snes, Xbox and Sega Dreamcast plus HD Low lag monitors and HDTV’s.
Offer: Magic Weekend Ticket Holders can get 2 hours game time for the price of 1 hour (£5). Click HERE.
Firestone Pizza
Just a 5 minute walk from the Fan Zone on Strawberry place, get yourself a 10% discount in-store only when you present your valid Magic Weekend ticket at Firestone Pizza.
Newcastle Thunder
Get yourself down to Kingston Park, Newcastle, and start your Magic Weekend early. Newcastle Thunder will take on Bradford Bulls in Championship action, and you can purchase your ticket for this game for just £5 when you have a Magic Weekend ticket.
Tickets are available to purchase in advance, or you can pay on the day when you present your Magic Weekend ticket.
Places to visit
Why not take in a little history during your stay and visit some of the cities most well-known tourist spots. The Newcastle Castle is steeped in history, originally a medieval fort which was built in the twelfth century. The Castle offers an intriguing insight into the history of this famous city and a pretty good view from above.
Another top tourist attraction in the toon is The Great North Museum. Home to artefacts, fossils and galleries, the museum is a fascinating journey through history. There’s fun for all the family with ‘The Mouse House’ for under 5’s as well as regular activities for younger visits. Oh, and it’s free entry!
The Life Science Centre is an award-winning tourist attraction which is a stone throw away from Newcastle Central Station. Another one for the whole family, the centre is home to hands on exhibits as well as eye-catching displays.
Places to eat
In addition to the restaurants available at The Gate, here is a list of other highly recommended locations that can fill an aching void.
If you fancy feasting on burgers, mac n cheese and other American favourites, Fat Hippo is the place. You can indulge in all your guilty pleasures at Newcastle’s burger institution, with their restaurant located right in the City Centre!
Located in a 13th century medieval friary, Blackfriars lets you enjoy award-winning food whilst immersing yourself in history. Slightly more up-market, the Blackfriars is a terrific spot if you’re looking for something more formal. It’s a real favourite for locals which most would recommend, showcasing a seasonal and local menu bringing out the best of the North East.
The Bridge Tavern offers locally sourced food which includes many classic pub dishes, as well as a Sunday roast to help you finish the weekend. It is also home to a micro-brewery, allowing you to enjoy a pint or two of locally brewed ales. The Bridge Tavern is located under the Tyne Bridge.
A spot of shopping
Intu Eldon Square is home to over 150 high street shops, specialists’ stores and is Newcastle’s oldest and most famous premium shopping centre. Or, if you’re less interested in the shopping, it’s home to a dedicated food and drink hub, Grey’s Quarter.
Although it’s further afield from the city centre, the Intu Metrocentre is Europe’s largest covered shopping and leisure centre. As well as much-loved brands, the new Platinum Mall brings designer brands to a new setting. The huge shopping and entertainment complex is home to a whole host of shops, restaurants and more!
Wigan Warriors kick off against Catalans Dragons at 3:45pm on Saturday 3 June. Read our match preview HERE.
