Quote: Odem "I would have the semi-finals both staged in Blackpool every year on Saturday and Sunday on the same weekend.
Great location not too far from the heartlands.
Already hosts a big RL game each year.
Could sell 'weekend' tickets just like the magic weekend which would encourage people going for the weekend to attend both games.
18k is the perfect next step in capacity for recent figures. Too high and the stadium will be empty, but decent priced tickets could see fantastic crowds and another 'festival' event for fans to attend. Even if both games get 12k.... its better than what we have now.
You also have the advantage of knowing when the games are and on what day before the 1/4 final, fans could walk away from the stadium planning for the semi-final without having to wait for a venue to be announced along with ticket prices etc.
Blackpool would get my vote for the semi-final everyday of the week. It would be a fantastic weekend for all rugby league fans.
Another bright idea to give the magic weekend a boost, allow the grand finalists from the previous season in the championship to open the weekend. I'm sure Fax, Fev, Leigh etc. would love a trip to the Etihad if their team qualified through getting to the Grand Final. Everybody wins.'"
Not bad ideas at all. Didn't realise the capacity at Blackpool now. If they announced it ahead of time and put it in the RL Events brochure, it could be a real pleaser with the fans. Could mix it in with a 9s tournament or something to get more neutrals down.
I've thought that adding a Championship game to the Magic Weekend might make it more attractive. Depends on the league restructure I guess.