THE Problem Cup is ready for the most important tinkering within the historical past of the competitors below new stakeholders IMG from 2024 onwards.
Already, a bunch stage format has been touted with 24 groups probably included, however what a few change of vacation spot too?
In 2023, the ultimate was held on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as a result of unavailability of Wembley Stadium. Might a brand new venue present a much-needed spark to the competitors?
Listed below are 4 potential venues for the ultimate if Wembley not suits the invoice.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as referenced above, already has expertise of internet hosting the Problem Cup Last following its maiden occasion in 2022 – and it’s honest to say that the venue was an excellent success. The capability at Tottenham is 62,000 – so lots lower than Wembley – nevertheless, 51,628 made the journey to the capital to look at the Wigan Warriors narrowly beat Huddersfield Giants. If marketed to its utmost, the Problem Cup Last might positively sell-out the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the environment generated on the venue the most effective lately.
Emirates Stadium, Arsenal
Once more, just like the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium has a capability of simply over 60,000 making it a super potential sell-out venue. It will additionally be certain that the distinguished competitors could be stored within the capital the place IMG has already outlined its focus to be going ahead. The Emirates is well-known for its wonderful transport hyperlinks in addition to flirtation with rugby league prior to now – not least the semi-final of the Rugby League World Cup when Samoa broke English hearts in golden level. It will be attention-grabbing to see if Arsenal’s dwelling might work.
St James’ Park, Newcastle
With the Magic Weekend within the pipeline to be scrapped, Newcastle is seemingly with no dwelling in rugby league. What if the Problem Cup might be rejuvenated within the north east as an alternative? It will be attention-grabbing to see the response amongst the locals to see if they might get behind it, however individuals completely love travelling to town for the Magic Weekend. In fact, the venue might wrestle if demand was giant as a result of truth its capability solely stands at simply over 52,000, however it could definitely guarantee a full home and thus a raucous environment at the most effective stadiums within the nation.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Although the Magic Weekend has discovered a house in Newcastle, the Etihad Stadium was most peoples’ second favorite because the host for the occasion. The capability of the Etihad is simply over 53,000, however, once more it could guarantee a sell-out and due to this fact a greater attraction on tv. In contrast to Outdated Trafford, too, the transport hyperlinks to Manchester Metropolis’s floor are very good and the fan park across the stadium is one thing to behold on sport day. Would the urge for food for one more closing in Manchester be there although? Notably as Outdated Trafford continues to be the ‘Theatre of Goals’.
