Bolton Wanderers' University of Bolton Stadium has been selected as a venue for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup
The opening ceremony will take place at St James' Park in Newcastle on October 23rd with the finals of the men's and women's competitions at Old Trafford on November 27th.
As well as the men's World Cup, the women's and wheelchair events will be run alongside it for the first time.
The University of Bolton Stadium will host a significant group stage game, featuring England, and a quarter final match during the Rugby League World Cup 2021.
The tournament has the potential to bring £4.5 million into Bolton’s economy.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Youth and Sport, Cllr John Byrne, said: “This is amazing news. To have been successful in our bid shows what faith the Rugby League has in Bolton and its facilities.
“This was a real Team Bolton effort and I would like to thank everyone who got involved and supported the campaign.
“Bringing the Rugby League World Cup to Bolton will give local people the chance to see an exciting sport up close and give our town an international profile.”
Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Linda Thomas, added: “We are delighted to be hosting games and a team as part of the Rugby League World Cup 2021.
“The tournament will provide a unique opportunity to boost Bolton’s economy and get our communities involved in sport.
“We know from the success of events like Ironman that Bolton has the ability to deliver on huge sporting spectacles.
“This will also highlight the region and Bolton at its best to visitors, players and spectators from around the world.”
Andrew Rosler, Director of ICS and Chair of Salford Red Devils, has worked closely with the council on the bid.
He said: "Having been involved in the bid process from the outset, I’m delighted that everyone's hard work has paid off.
“Bolton has a strong tradition for delivering top class sporting and cultural events, so I'm positive the town will exceed expectations once again."
Prof George Holmes, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, which partnered the bid campaign, said: “This is wonderful news. The University of Bolton stadium is a superb venue for such a prestigious tournament which has huge global interest and the University is proud to have been a partner in the bid.”
Chief Executive of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, Jon Dutton, added: “We are delighted to announce Bolton as one of the tournament’s hosts.
“The University of Bolton Stadium is a fantastic facility and we can’t wait to see it play host to an England men’s group game and a Rugby League World Cup quarter-final.
“We’re looking forward to bringing the pinnacle of rugby league to the Bolton and North West community for this global event.
“The council and partners have worked hard on a great campaign and we look forward to bringing this life over the next 1,000 days ahead of the tournament commencing.”
The draw for the competition will take will take place on November 27 this year, two years out from the final.
The full list of venues for all three tournaments is:
Newcastle - St James' Park (52,405 capacity)
Sheffield - Bramall Lane (32,702) & English Institute of Sport
Doncaster - Keepmoat Stadium (15,231)
Hull - KCOM Stadium (25,586)
York - York Community Stadium (8,005)
Huddersfield - John Smith's Stadium (24,500)
Leeds - Elland Road (37,890) & Headingley Stadium (21,062)
Liverpool - Anfield (54,074)
Manchester - Old Trafford (74,994)
Preston - First training base to be revealed
St. Helens - Totally Wicked Stadium (18,00)
Warrington - Halliwell Jones Stadium (15,200)
Leigh & Wigan - Leigh Sports Village (12,000)
Bolton - University of Bolton Stadium (28,723)
London - Emirates Stadium (60,260) & Copper Box Arena (7,500)
Middlesbrough - Riverside Stadium (34,742)
Workington - Workington Community Stadium (under construction)
Coventry - Ricoh Arena (32,609)