22 Apr 2022

THUNDER ADD PRIDE TO MAGIC FRIDAY 2022

Club confirm partnership with Northern Pride for July 8 visit of Bradford Bulls

Rugby League fans can expect a Magic Friday spectacular at Kingston Park Stadium this July, after the club announced the game will be in partnership with Northern Pride.

The now traditional pre-Magic Weekend curtain-raiser will have a festival feel as the club aim to set a new attendance record and to demonstrate its ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community and continue to promote the importance of inclusivity within sport.

Bradford Bulls provide the opposition for this year’s edition on Friday 8 (KO 7.45pm) for a blockbuster Betfred Championship clash as the main attraction.

Away from the field the partnership with the Northern Pride festival will see high-quality pre and post-match entertainment to make this Magic Friday the biggest and best yet.

Full details will be announced in due course but with a schedule set to run right up to kick off and then late into the night, there is set to be something for sports fans and event goers to enjoy alike.

With Thunder aiming to eclipse its existing attendance record of 6,631 set in May 1999 against the same opposition, special offers for Magic Weekend and Northern Pride ticket holders will be communicated in the coming days.

There will be a subtle change to the club’s iconic identity too, with a one-off special kit to be produced and worn for the game, which will then be auctioned off as part of the fund-raising efforts in support of Northern Pride.

With Newcastle hosting UK Pride two weeks later between July 22 – 24 – in what is the 50th anniversary year of the first Pride march, these efforts will go to support the not-for-profit organisation.

Newcastle Thunder chairman Keith Christie said: “We’re delighted to be working with teams from Northern Pride and Pride Radio on this year’s Magic Friday.

“Inclusivity is a major focus for rugby league, and for sport more generally, and, with Magic Friday taking place two weeks before UK Pride festival, we recognise this unique opportunity to further bolster awareness for Pride and continue to inform those in the sports community about the importance of creating an inclusive environment at what will hopefully be our biggest game of the season.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with the LGBTQ+ community and to introduce members to rugby league and Thunder for the first time.

“We have some exciting plans to announce in due course and I’m sure everyone who joins us at Kingston Park will enjoy a match-day that all members of the Thunder family will be talking about for many years to come.”

Northern Pride director Ste Dunn said: “We are huge fans of Newcastle Thunder, so it is amazing to have their support for Northern Pride during Magic Friday.

“We all know the benefits sports can have for improving both mental and physical health, which is why it’s fantastic that the team is working so hard to make sure that the sport is inclusive and a safe space for everyone.

"Magic Friday is sure to be a brilliant event and we’re so grateful to be involved, with all fundraising throughout the day going towards keeping the UK Pride weekend free for everyone to enjoy.”

Tickets for this year’s Magic Friday are now on sale, priced at £15 for adults, £10 for concessions, £8 for 16-24-year-olds and £3 for Under 16s.

To book, click here, call 0191 214 5588 (opt 1) or visit the Kingston Park Stadium box office.

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