The 2010 Super League champions, Wigan Warriors, take on St Helens under the Millennium Stadium roof on Saturday evening (7pm).
Local rivalries will also come to the fore with Hull FC versus Hull Kingston Rovers, Castleford Tigers against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Leeds Rhinos locking horns against Bradford Bulls in a mouth-watering schedule of games.
There is also a repeat of the 2009 Carnegie Challenge Cup Final as Huddersfield Giants take on Warrington Wolves. Catalans Dragons versus Harlequins RL and Salford City Reds against Crusaders complete the weekend programme of match ups, with four games scheduled for the Saturday and three on Sunday.
The Magic weekend fixtures are as follows:
Saturday 12th February
1pm Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves
3pm Catalans Dragons v Harlequins RL
5pm Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
7pm Wigan Warriors v St Helens
Sunday 13th February
12noon Salford City Reds v Crusaders
2pm Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls
4pm Hull FC v Hull KR
RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood commented: “This opening round of fixtures represents an outstanding way of kicking off the 2011 season in style. The overwhelming majority of fans told us that they wanted to see local rivalry matches and I’m sure thousands of loyal Rugby League supporters will be excited by the prospect of watching seven superb encounters in Cardiff at the start of next season.
“All of the clubs will have the chance to lay down a marker for the season ahead, particularly St Helens who will be desperate to put one over Wigan after their defeat to the Warriors at Old Trafford in October, but there will also be a lot of local pride at stake with a number of the other clashes.”
With the Millennium Magic Weekend returning to Cardiff for the first time since 2008, Millennium Stadium Manager Gerry Toms is looking forward to welcoming Rugby League back to the national stadium.
“We are delighted that Rugby League is returning to the Millennium Stadium for what we are certain will be a fantastic weekend of top-class action,” said Toms.
“Supporters who come to the Stadium will see some of the world’s best Rugby League players and it will certainly prove to be a great showcase for the sport.
“The supporters who follow Super League are also great ambassadors for the game and we look forward to giving them all a great Welsh welcome at the home of Rugby Union in Wales.
“The Millennium Stadium is ideally suited to this type of extended event with its closing roof and city centre location so I am certain that the fans and the players will all savour a fantastic sporting experience.
“As we demonstrated at the inaugural event in 2007 and again in 2008, the fans always have a great time at the Millennium Stadium and I’d urge all sports fans to get hold of tickets to this unique and exciting weekend at the home of Welsh sport.”
Welsh Assembly Government Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones added: “We are delighted to welcome Millennium Magic back to Wales again in 2011 and to support the event through our Major Events Strategy, which aims to develop a sustainable portfolio of world-class events which will raise international recognition and reputation of Wales. We look forward to giving all fans a warm Welsh welcome next year and hope they enjoy being back at the Millennium Stadium.”
Day Tickets for Millennium Magic cost from £20 (concessions £10) with weekend passes starting from £30 (concessions £15). Ticket and accommodation details for Millennium Magic are available at www.millenniummagic.co.uk or by contacting the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 1113.
