Quote: Slugger McBatt "Back when Wembley was a sell-out every year, the world has moved on. It was often the big trip of the year for many people, but now people enjoy city breaks and overseas trips all the time. Going to London is nothing special anymore, and the loss of the old Empire Stadium takes away the traditional feel.
It was also the only big event, and the RFL can't have that many. They either have Magic or they have the Challenge Cup, and they have it at a time when perhaps 10% of the audience isn't on holiday, but they can't have both. They could easily make it a whole weekend thing somehow. Take it on the road. There are many ways to reinvigorate it, but watching a half-empty stadium isn't one of them.'"
This.
For supporters of teams who are unlikely to get to finals their day out at Magic is their Rugby League 'big stadium event'. In years gone buy many of them would have attended the CC Final as a neutral. Another thing which is overlooked, the demographic of a Rugby League crowd has changed (mostly intentionally). It's been marketed as 'the family game'. There used to be more men who go with their mates for a good session on the beer. Nowadays there's more families, kids etc which makes a more expensive day out for the whole family.
Stadiums are mostly designed these days with viewing and comfort in mind which has a significant effect on the atmosphere. The sense of occasion can be lost.