Leeds Rhinos swing into town in 2019

With the full list of Coventry Bears' 2019 fixtures now announced and pre-season training underway - it is time to get the Bears team into action!

Before the League One fixtures start, there is a real treat in store for fans of Rugby League, and sport in general as the mighty Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that they will be returning to the Butts Park Arena for a friendly on Friday January 18th.

The Rhinos, multiple Superleague winners and one of the biggest names in Rugby League, came down to Coventry on a cold and atmospheric Friday night before the start of last season.

And they were bowled over by the event which saw a record four figure attendance set as fans from across the region came along for some great entertainment.

Speaking at the event, the Rhinos CEO Gary Hetherington spoke in admiration of the Bears and how they were establishing the game in the Midlands, and this return visit is a testament to the high regard the club are held in across the game.

A year will have elapsed and Leeds will be looking to improve on their League position last season, and in preparation are expected to be bringing a strong team to represent the heartland city. New head coach David Furner and Head of Rugby Kevin Sinfield will also be in attendance on the night.

They will face a Bears side containing many familiar faces from last year plus the first appearance of the Bears new signings including Aussie Nick Newman, England Student International Elliot Hall and a host of others sure to be eager to impress the coaches.

Tickets are now on sale for this exciting event and are priced at £15 for an adult, £12 for a concession ticket and £5 for children (age 5-16 years). Coventry Bears 2019 season ticket holders will have access to this game for free included with the membership. Season tickets can be purchased by clicking here and are priced at £105 adult, £95 Concession and £35 for (12-16 year olds).

Last year the hospitality was a sell-out event and is set to be again this year!

Hospitality is a great opportunity to enjoy the event in style, where guests will have access to a members only bar prior to and during the game. From 6pm you couldenjoy a seated two course hot meal, have access to table service for drinks during the meal and be able to watch the game from the inside bar or seated in the terraces with a central elevated position.

Hospitality tickets are priced at £45 per person and will include the following per guest:

• Match entry ticket

• Match day programme

• Two course meal

• Free onsite parking

The hospitality is fully accessible for all guests via an indoor lift. Tables will be set for 10 guests so if you want to reserve more than a couple of places, you are advised to contact Debbie via email: debbie.watson@coventrybears.co.uk

For visitors not local or familiar with the Butts Park Arena, the location is very central, just a short distance on foot from the city centre of Coventry. There is ample parking onsite and very nearby in an NCP carpark. A Premier Inn hotel is situated right next door to the stadium and other hotels are just a short walk away. Many local fans, staff and players will be around to meet fans after the game in the bar at the stadium and at local pubs thereafter making this an excellent social occasion to kick off your year.