A new three-year contract has been agreed for Manchester United’s iconic home ground, Old Trafford, to continue serving as the host of the Super League Grand Final. This recent development ensures that the thrilling climax of the rugby league season will remain at Old Trafford until at least 2027 after a new deal was signed between Rugby League Commercial and Manchester United.
The Super League Grand Final, a significant event in the rugby league calendar, will occur at this historic venue, further enhancing the rich legacy of Old Trafford, which has been vital in the sport since its inception. The agreement comes just ahead of this year’s men’s Super League Grand Final, where Wigan Warriors will face off against Hull KR, adding to the anticipation and excitement for fans.
Old Trafford has a storied history with the Super League Grand Final, having hosted the very first event back in 1998. During that memorable occasion, it was Jason Robinson’s famous try that led the Wigan Warriors to an unforgettable victory, setting the stage for what would become a celebrated tradition. Since that time, Old Trafford has consistently been the home of the Super League Grand Final each year, with the solitary exception being in 2020 when the final took place at the KCOM Stadium in Hull due to the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s perfect timing for us to be able to confirm this extension of Super League’s partnership with Manchester United ahead of Saturday’s Grand Final, as we look forward to another fantastic occasion at Old Trafford this weekend, with our biggest Grand Final crowd for at least seven years,” said Rhodri Jones, the managing director of RL Commercial.
“Rugby League’s relationship with Old Trafford stretches back well beyond the Super League era, and since 1998 it has gone to another level as the Grand Final has become established, with so many unforgettable moments – including the brilliance of Rob Burrow in two Player of the Match performances for Leeds Rhinos.
“One of the highlights of the 2024 Betfred Super League Grand Final will be the introduction of the Rob Burrow Award for the player of the match, which made Rob so happy when it was announced before the start of this season.
“It will be another opportunity for Rugby League to remember Rob, and also to pay tribute to all the other players who have won the Harry Sunderland Trophy at Grand Finals, and before that Premiership and Championship Finals, since it was introduced in 1965.”
Throughout the years, only four teams have etched their names into the history books by winning the Super League Grand Final: the Wigan Warriors, St Helens, Bradford Bulls, and Leeds Rhinos. There are also another five teams that have managed to reach the final but have yet to lift the coveted trophy, creating a sense of aspiration and rivalry among the clubs. This ongoing competition contributes significantly to the allure of the Super League and the Grand Final, making each year’s event an eagerly awaited spectacle for fans and a defining moment for the teams involved.
Collette Roche, chief operating officer at Manchester United, added on the new deal: “We are proud to continue the tradition of hosting the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford for another three years. It is always a special event in the national sporting calendar and this weekend will be particularly poignant with tributes being paid to the late Rob Burrow and so many other Rugby League legends.”
As Old Trafford prepares to host the Super League Grand Final for many more years to come, it solidifies its place as an integral part of rugby league history and a cherished venue for sports lovers. The new contract signals a robust partnership between Rugby League Commercial and Manchester United, ensuring that the Grand Final will continue to thrive at one of the most renowned sports stadiums in the world.
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