Tens of thousands of Rugby League fans will be in Newcastle this week for the Magic Weekend, which is set to bring millions of pounds to the city.
Super League's annual celebration sees an entire round of games being played at St James' Park on Saturday July 9 and Sunday July 10. Newcastle has become a home-from-home for rugby league fans, having hosted the Magic Weekend five times since 2015.
"The atmosphere is always brilliant, it's got a different feeling, it's sort of like a huge party," St Helen's and England centre, Mark Percival told ChronicleLive.
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"I think getting all the fans together, it's something that's brilliant for the game."
St Helen's play their huge rivals, Wigan Warriors, at St James' Park, on Saturday, in between Toulouse taking on Wakefield and Leeds playing Castleford.
"We're really looking forward to the atmosphere when we get here, loads of different fans, from different teams, the whole rugby league family coming together, creating a great weekend," Warriors' hooker Sam Powell said ahead of Saturday's derby with St Helen's.
"As you drive in, you see all the fans from different teams. Our fans always make the most of it, come for the weekend and really get behind us. When you do get to step out on this [St James' Park] pitch, it's great, one that we're really looking forward to."
The weekend is also an opportunity for newcomers to watch rugby league ahead of Newcastle hosting four Rugby League World Cup games this autumn. Newcastle's World Cup fixtures include the tournament opener, England v Samoa, at St James Park, on Saturday October 15, 2022.
"I don't think they'll be disappointed if they make the effort to come. It's fast, high skill, with a great atmosphere all day," added Wigan man Sam.
Hull FC forward Chris Satae said: "I'm looking forward to the atmosphere. Newcastle is always a very nice place to come to, the whole rugby league community will be here in such a nice big stadium.
"I played in a Magic Weekend last year, for the first time and the atmosphere was great, I'm looking forward to it again.
There will be three matches on each day. Sunday's fixtures also include a derby, between Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers.
Newcastle and the Super League's annual Magic Weekend has become a match made in heaven. This year's tournament will see around 60,000 attend games over two days at St James' Park during the football off-season.
The event pumps around £9 million into the local economy, with rugby fans packing out hotels, restaurants, and bars over the weekend, said Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive at NE1, which works with Super League, Newcastle City Council and Newcastle United to help arrange Magic Weekend.
Fans benefit from a city centre stadium on neutral territory surrounded by places to eat, drink and stay, the city gets an influx of tourists. Since the Magic Weekend was first held, in Cardiff in 2011, its top three weekend attendances have been in Newcastle, a glowing endorsement of the city from rugby supporters.
"What I love about Magic Weekend in Newcastle is that it's something more than just being about rugby or the city. It's become something that's greater than the sum of its parts," Stephen added.
Tickets remain on sale. Fans can choose to buy either Saturday, Sunday or full weekend tickets. Head here to buy.
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