Now you're talking.





If a semi involving two of Quinze, Catalans and Celtic comes out, I would expect to see this played as the first installment of a double header at one of the regular venues on account of the lack of demand. It could have nudged last year's Leeds-Saints crowd over 20,000, for example.

Normally the CCSFs aren't this late on, normally back end of July IIRC. Last year's football Community Shield was on the 10th August (which was a Sunday) so we may be able to get a semi-final double-header in on a Saturday. I think the SPL has been pushed further back as well due to Scotland wanting an international friendly, although I could have heard that wrong!



What other sporting events are happening in late July/early August time?

One game on BBC2, then the next one on BBC1, or vice versa. Would work.

Although that's exactly what they're doing for the fourth round: Catalans v Bradford 2.30, Leeds v Saints 4.30

Like celtic will get to the semis

I think a double header at the CoM stadium would be a cracking idea. I wouldn't go as a neutral to either semi but I would go for a double header like that. especially if they did a season ticket deal like with the magic tickets.

I was wrong, and I'm glad about it. if they are willing to do it then its good news.



Hope the Beeb make a big deal of a ' Massive Sporting Weekend' Grand National Saturday and 2 big CC cup ties on the sunday.





Now there could be some hope for this idea after all, even though its all hypothetical atm, but it would be innovative of the rfl to try it some time.

BBC will be showing their first ever live football league game (new contract starts next season) on the sat or sun

Its only a few years since the uproar when The Semis were played at the Halliwell Jones and The Stobart (or whatever it was called at the time) Yet there was no reported shortfall of tickets and people wanting to attend either game not being able to get there. These stadiums have a combined capacity of less than 30k,



So how could playing the games, even as a double header, A few hundred miles away attract enough fans to make it viable.



CoM Stadium would be a great place to stage both (48k capacity = to 2 Galpharms) But still probably wouldn't be filled. And its unlikely that Man City would want Rugby Played on it that close to the start of the Premier League Season (or will it already have started)

Not that ends the argument, but a doubleheader is never going to be a capacity game, at least not to look at. A significant percentage of each side involved will not bother with the other semi, even though they have a free ticket and are already at the ground.



This means that say the semis were Saints-Leeds and Hull FC-KR, games that could attract 20k - you'd have to put them in a 40k stadium to satisfy demand, but there would probably be only be 30k in at any one point, if that.



Now if you could put on the two games at the same ground, but clear the ground after game 1 and then admit people for game 2, with a discount double ticket for those that wanted it, I guess you'd increase your neutral take-up without having to put a half pint crowd in a pint pot stadium. Potetially more hassle than it's worth though.

but how many tickets will pass holders get

If you put events in small arenas with no promotion, people will think they are small events. Playing in a tiny stadium gives the feel that the competition has little meaning, and it will never grow if you restrict its capacity to such an extent.



Also, more neutrals will go to see BOTH games than just one. I would never consider going to one semi-final as a neutral. I would go to both. And I'm sure I'm not the only one. Having them both in one ground means they can combine advertising and marketing as well, possibly saving money on account of that.



Cardiff. Eastlands. Midlands. Wherever. Have 'em both in one big ground and I guarantee the total attendance will be bigger than having them at two separate grounds.