The University of Bolton Stadium is delighted to confirm that it will stage the 2019 Coral Challenge Cup women’s final and men’s semi-finals in a triple header at the home of Bolton Wanderers Football Club on Saturday 27 July.
Following on from the success of last year’s semi-finals, which featured Catalans Dragons, Warrington Wolves, St Helens and Leeds Rhinos at a sold out University of Bolton Stadium, Rugby League once again returns to Bolton.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club Chairman, Ken Anderson, said: “We are once again looking forward to hosting the Coral Challenge Cup at the University of Bolton Stadium.
“Following on from the success of last season’s sold out double header, we are delighted to be hosting the women’s final as well as the men’s semi-finals and cannot wait to welcome the supporters from all the teams involved.
“With Rod Stewart playing at the venue in June, the University of Bolton Stadium has a very busy but exciting summer in store.”
Ralph Rimmer, the RFL chief executive, added: “This is a really significant day both for the Challenge Cup, and for women’s Rugby League.
“The men’s Challenge Cup is one of the iconic competitions and trophies of British sport, with more than 120 years of history, and the famous Wembley final televised live to the nation and the world by the BBC.
“The Women’s Challenge Cup may not have that history, but Coral’s enthusiasm for it to be part of a joint sponsorship deal confirms our determination that it is set for a really exciting future.
“With Coral’s name now linked to both the men’s and women’s Challenge Cups, it’s equally exciting to be able to extend the double-header for the men’s semi-finals that proved such a big hit last year, and now incorporate the Coral Women’s Challenge Cup Final.
“The University of Bolton Stadium proved a popular venue for the sold out double header last summer, so we’re delighted to be going back for a triple header in 2019.
“We are confident that thousands of the supporters of the teams who reach the semi-finals of the men’s Coral Challenge Cup will also take the opportunity to watch the outstanding spectacle provided by our best women’s teams – and that will ensure their skills and athleticism are seen by the record audience they deserve.”
Leeds Rhinos are the Women’s Challenge Cup holders, having beaten Castleford Tigers in a classic final at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium last summer.
Tickets for the triple header at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday July 27 went on sale today – https://rugbyleague.tickethour.co.uk/seatingPlan.html?idProduct=560
Tickets for the Coral Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday August 24 are available here - https://www.rugby-league.com/tickets/challenge_cup_final