Fan Guide for Magic Weekend

Betfred Super League's summer festival of rugby league sees the entire competition takeover Newcastle United's famous home ground St James' Park once again! Here is our supporter guide for the Fords faithful.

This will be the first Magic Weekend match of the #NewCasEra, with our Head Coach Lee Radford leading our team in 2022!

The Tigers will close out day one on Saturday (9th July) against our old fierce rivals Leeds Rhinos with kick-off scheduled for 7pm. The aim for our team will be to further cement our spot in the playoff positions and to keep our unbeaten run at St James' Park going.

Castleford Tigers fans will be in the Gallowgate Stand at St James’ Park, and we have a big following as always heading up to the Toon! We can't wait to see you all there wearing your Cas colours!

Castleford Tigers' tickets for Magic Weekend 2022 will go off sale at 4pm on Thursday, 7th July.

Our Ticket Office on Wheldon Road is open for fans to call in 9.30am-4pm (Monday-Friday) or contact via phone 01977 529 263.

If the hours above are not preferable, please contact the Tigers’ Ticket Manager via email: markgill@castigers.com, who will deal with requests as promptly as possible when possible. 

Our official travel coaches will leave The Mend-A-Hose Jungle on Saturday, 9th July at 10.30am. 

Car parking at our home ground for supporters will be available too.

The return journey will then depart from St James' Park 30 minutes after the last game on Saturday which is Tigers vs Rhinos.

The Club's official coach travel for Magic Weekend has now sold out.

Six BIG games, all with something to play for!

• Saturday 9th July

Wakefield Trinity v Toulouse Olympique - 2.30pm
St Helens v Wigan Warriors - 4.45pm
Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers - 7pm

• Sunday 10th July

Huddersfield Giants v Salford Red Devils - 1pm
Catalans Dragons v Warrington Wolves - 3.15pm
Hull KR v Hull FC - 5.30pm

Super League has joined forces with Sky to add further support to Magic Weekend. The partnership will see the event become Magic Weekend supported by Sky Zero. This is part of Sky’s recently launched campaign to encourage sport fans to take action against the climate crisis that is affecting the sports they love.

When travelling to Magic Weekend, fans are being encouraged to take action and make small but impactful changes including using public transport where possible.

For the smoothest possible journey, we recommend visiting: www.altoonativetravel.com

• ON FOOT 

St. James’ Park is located to the North West of Newcastle city centre, close to the junction between Gallowgate, St. James’ Boulevard and Barrack Road. That’s just a 10-minute walk from Newcastle Central Station and around five minutes from Monument Metro Station and the city’s major bus stations. You can get your very own tailor-made route at www.walkit.com. 

• BY METRO 

Newcastle upon Tyne is served by the Tyne & Wear Metro system; a light rail network with frequent services between Newcastle Airport, Newcastle city centre, the coast, major transport interchanges and destinations south to Wearside. We recommend St. James’ Metro station for local coastal destinations including North Shields, while Monument station – a five-minute walk away – is served by both yellow and green line routes towards Newcastle International Airport, South Shields and the coast. To reach St. James’ Park from Monument station, walk west on Blackett Street and continue onto Gallowgate. The stadium will become visible on your right. For more information, please visit www.altoonativetravel.com/by-metro. 

• BY TRAIN 

Newcastle Central Station is around a 10-minute walk from St. James’ Park. Situated on the East Coast Mainline, it is a principle stop for services between London and Edinburgh/Glasgow. In addition to regional services to Middlesbrough and Carlisle, it also offers direct cross-country routes to and from Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool Birmingham and Bristol. To walk to St. James’ Park, cross the road from the station and walk up Pink Lane to your left, passing the Forth Hotel public house. Turn right onto Clayton Street, then left onto Westgate Road. Outside Tilleys Bar, bear right onto Bath Lane and after 200 metres, turn right onto Stowell Street (Chinatown) and continue until the ground becomes visible beyond the Chinatown arch. To plan your train journey, please visit www.nationalrail.co.uk 

• 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. To reach the stadium, walk south west on Percy Street and turn right onto Gallowgate. St. James’ Park will become visible on your right. For more information on local bus services, please visit www.altoonativetravel.com/by-bus. Newcastle Coach Station is on St. James’ Boulevard and receives National Express coach services, while Megabus operates services from outside Newcastle Central Station. Both offer frequent services from across the UK. 

• FAN COACHES 

From A1 south – Follow signs for City West to B6324 junction, take 3rd exit from roundabout onto Stamfordham Road. Follow A167 City Centre to the Cow Hill junction. Exit and then turn right onto Grandstand Road then follow signs for City Centre. St James Park is on left hand side. Please park as directed on southbound carriageway. From A69 west – At A1 junction, follow signs for A1 North (Morpeth) then as above. There is a pay and display HGV and coach park on Ord Street by the Metro Radio Arena. For further information, please contact the Parking Department on 0191 261 4503 or visit the Newcastle Council website for parking in the city. 

• MINIBUSES 

Routes to St James Park, as above. Drop-off only outside Stadium. 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. 

• BY CAR 

If travelling by car, fans are being encouraged to car share where possible. 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. 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! Information can be found on the Newcastle Council website. If you do need to use your car, use the postcode ‘NE1 4ST’ in your sat-nav to find the stadium. 

Please enter the stadium via the turnstile indicated on your ticket. The North (Leazes), East and South (Gallowgate) stands are for tickets with unreserved seating. The main West (Milburn) stand will accommodate supporters with reserved seats. 

• RESERVED SEATING

Spectators must ensure that they sit in their allocated seat(s). Although there may be adjacent seats that appear to be empty, it is likely that ticket holder hasn’t yet arrived or is elsewhere in the stadium. 

• UNRESERVED SEATING

It is important to note that if an unreserved seat is vacated, it may not be possible to return to the same seat at a later time. Certain seats or blocks within unreserved areas of the stadium bowl may be marked as RESERVED (e.g. close to wheelchair platforms and dug outs) and as such are not available to holders of unreserved seat tickets. Spectators should ensure that they do not sit in any seat marked reserved if they have purchased a ticket for an unreserved area. 

• ID FOR CONCESSIONS

If a concessionary ticket has been purchased, identification may be requested on entry. Holders of such tickets should ensure that they have appropriate ID with them. 

• PASS OUT SYSTEM

A pass out/return system will be operated on both event days allowing spectators to move freely to and from the stadium bowl – there is no limit on the number of times someone is allowed to pass out and re-enter. 

Spectators leaving the stadium bowl with the intention of returning may do so but MUST first ensure that they have a hand stamp applied upon initial exit; if there is no evidence of a hand stamp re-entry will not be permitted. Hand stamps will be applied by stadium stewards. 
Dedicated exit and re-entry gates in each stand will be used to facilitate this operation. 

Different coloured hand stamps will be used for each level each day. It is important that match tickets are not discarded; tickets need to be produced for re-entry if using the pass out system. Re-entry to the stadium bowl will be on production of both a hand stamp and relevant match ticket. 

Opening Times: Saturday 11am – 7.30pm | Sunday 11am – 5.30pm

The Fan Zone is located on Strawberry Place, offering food, beverage, and activities delivered by official partners Dacia, Northern and Batchelors Mushy Peas throughout the weekend. Metro Radio will be hosting the fan zone, keeping the party going with live music and special guest interviews from the stage at the heart of the activity.

Be sure to visit for a chance to have your photo with the Betfred Super League and Rugby League World Cup trophy, purchase official Dacia Magic Weekend merchandise and win some exclusive Super League prizes with our official partners.

Fans attending Magic Weekend in Newcastle will have the privilege of watching and supporting a truly inspirational adapted version of the sport.

LDRL teams last made an appearance during the festival of rugby league back in 2019 at Anfield Stadium and following two years of Covid-19 restrictions, it will be a special moment to see our inspirational Tigers team take to the field.

Cas will be taking part in an exhibition during half-time of the second game on the Saturday at around 5:30pm and we encourage the Fords faithful to get behind them and make it an unforgettable day.

Our LDRL stars have been training hard in anticipation of what will be a memorable occasion and after finishing a recent session down at The Jungle, player Karl Emmett spoke of how much he and the rest of the squad are looking forward to playing in Newcastle.

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Accessible parking (for blue badge holders) is available to purchase direct from NUFC – advance application only. To apply for a pass please call 0191 201 8558. Vehicles will not be permitted to park in accessible spaces without an event specific pass – blue badge must also be displayed on arrival. 

Day passes are £15 per vehicle, weekend passes £20 vehicle. Spectators with tickets for the Milburn stand Upper tier are advised that there are 140 stairs and 14 landings leading up to the seating area. 

If you are disabled or have mobility issues, please ask a steward who will be happy to direct you to a lift. Any spectators who require audio commentary, please contact the Customer Service Centre at The RFL on 0844 856 1113, Monday –Friday, 9am-5pm. 

There are disabled toilets in all supporter areas of the stadium which can be opened with a radar key. Please contact your nearest steward for assistance. 

•  REFRESHMENTS 

A range of hot and cold snacks, soft drinks and alcohol will be available to purchase in all concourse areas. Once purchased within the stadium, alcohol cannot be taken outside into the city. While some kiosks do accept cash within the concourse area, we encourage fans, where possible, to bring a credit or debit card to purchase refreshments. The majority of kiosks within St James’ Park are CASH-LESS.

Please note that no large amount of food can be taken inside the stadium from outside. The amount of food allowed will be at the discretion of Newcastle United staff. Bottles and cans are also not permitted. If you have specific dietary requirements, please contact the steward at your stadium entry point. Permission may be granted following appropriate checks. 

• LUGGAGE/PUSHCHAIRS 

We regret to inform you that there are no areas to store luggage and/or pushchairs at St. James’ Park during Magic Weekend. Luggage items larger than A4 size are not allowed into the stadium for security reasons. Appropriate discretion will be used for ladies’ handbags, baby changing bags, etc. and will be subject to the standard security checks. 

• QUIET ROOM 

There is a quiet room available should anyone wish to use this space for practising multi-faith or quiet reflection. If you need to use this room, please alert your nearest steward who will direct you to this room.

The Gate is just 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. 

Magic Weekend Ticket Holders can get offers at the following places at The Gate*:

• The Mayfair Pub & Kitchen - 20% off food
• The Hustle - 20% off food bill
• The Wonderbar - two bottles of Moretti or Heineken for just £6
• Selfie Central - 20% off with the code #MAGIC20
• The CTRL Pad - two hours of game time for the price of one hour (£5)

Newcastle is a city steeped in culture so why not take the opportunity to have a look around some of its historical sites. The Newcastle Castle is 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.

The Great North Museum is another top tourist attraction and is free to enter! 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 visitors.

The Life Science Centre is an award-winning tourist attraction which is a stone’s throw away from Newcastle Central Station. Another one for the whole family, the centre is home to plenty of hands-on exhibits as well as lots of eye-catching displays.

After a long day of watching the rugby, there is nothing better than being able to put your feet up and enjoy some good quality food!

The Gate, which is located close to the stadium, offers something for everyone with restaurants, bars, pubs, cinemas and more. Offers available at The Gate can be found above!

If you are looking to branch further out, why not try the Fat Hippo, which offers classic American favourites right in the city centre.

Blackfriars is located in a 13th century medieval friary and provides award-winning food in a unique location. It is the perfect spot if you are looking to dine somewhere more formal.

The Bridge Tavern serves up pub classics and even a fantastic Sunday Roast to finish off your weekend. It also has its own micro-brewery, so it is the perfect place for a pint or two.

If you find the time in amongst the seven matches on show at St. James’ Park, why not treat yourself to some retail therapy as Newcastle is one of the UK’s top shopping destinations.

Intu Eldon Square is home to over 150 high street shops, specialists’ stores and is Newcastle’s oldest and most famous premium shopping centre. Although it's further afield from the city centre, the Intu Metrocentre is Europe’s largest covered shopping and leisure centre.

Tyneside is well known for its night life and one of the best bars around is Madame Koo. Located in a fantastic setting, it really is the place to grab yourself a tasty cocktail.

Jalou, Livello and The Hudson Bar are all city centre bars which are highly recommended by locals.

We hope that Cas fans can cram in all the activities possible to make it a weekend they won’t forget!

Supporting both the MND Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to build The Rob Burrow Centre for MND, Castleford Tigers can now reveal our special shirt which will be worn for our Magic Weekend 2022 fixture against Leeds Rhinos at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

Designed and created in conjunction with Tigers’ official kit partners OXEN, the predominantly black kit features orange hoops, the Rob Burrow 7 signature fundraising logo, as well as all our club kit partners turning their branding orange in support of the MND Association, whose colours are orange.

Burrow was raised in Castleford but became one of the most successful rugby league players of all time at Leeds Rhinos, our opponent at Magic Weekend this year. Since being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2019, Rob and his family have been incredible ambassadors for the MND community and we as a club are thrilled to do our part in also raising funds with our new kit.

From the sale of every Tigers Magic Weekend 2022 shirt sold, £5 will be donated to each of the MND Association and the Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to build The Rob Burrow Centre for MND.

Castleford Tigers Magic Weekend 2022 kit is available to purchase now online at castlefordtigers.com/shop