With post covid attendances being really disappointing in SL, can't see the 2 day attendance being above 45K this year.
Will this mark the end of the MW concept?

I think the weekend will be down, I can see many just going for the day rather than the weekend.
I’m expecting a flat atmosphere

I doubt it will be the end. I think most of the money SL make comes from Newcastle itself, rather than the attendance. I'm sure a low attendance this year wont put them off for 2022, they'll put it down to COVID and bank on a better year next time, there always seems to be plenty of demand to host it.

I doubt it, as it’s affected so many globally I’d imagine any drop in figures whether that’s monetary or attendance would be forecasted for due to what’s going on.

35k on day 1

I didn't think 35k was bad at all given the circumstances. Some people are still scared to go out and do stuff, hotel prices are crazy around the country etc

The marketing in Newcastle and the North East itself still needs a lot of work, but that was arguably the best day of action ever seen at Magic Weekend and there's life in the event yet.

So Rugby league isn't now dying then??

A couple of so called "fans" on here will be greatly disappointed.

A great first day on the pitch, good entertainment. The big but is there are a lot of people in the older age group ( including myself) who still are wary going out & mixing in public. This is also reflected in disappointing crowds at other fixtures. This is th first time in 20 years I have missed the Hull derby & it also reflects the lack of younger supporters not being attracted to the game.

Magic Day 1 was exceptional entertainment, but it doesn't hide the fact that the game is in trouble....if anything, it supports the move to a 10 team top tier delivering excitement in close games between the top teams. St Helens v Catalans III was a great game with a superb ending....when they meet for the fourth time at old Trafford let's hope it's as exciting.
If you think a reduction in TV money combined with a reduction in attendances isn't a concern, then you're part of the problem

61k over the 2 days.....great effort in the current covid ridden environment.....let's hope next year they have Catalan v Toulouse as the middle game on day 1....

So as it becomes safer to go out and the virus loses it's potency and effect many fans will feel safe to come back. and hopefully more lapsed fans plus new fans.....

Great entertainment this weekend, nowt wrong with the game, in fact the big changes to the rules look to be beneficial..........

I was there for the full weekend and heard a few local accents at the ground. Around and about the locals seemed to be aware of what was going on at the stadium. But as much as the games on the pitch were great, esp Saturday, it certainly wasn't the atmosphere off the pitch, around the stadium etc it has been in previous years. Not as many groups in fancy dress etc, bars were quieter and Fewer kids about too I'd say.