RUGBY league is often described as the family game and I certainly found that to be the case when I visited Odsal Stadium on a sunny Sunday.
Bradford Bulls, a club steeped in history, were taking on near West Yorkshire neighbours Wakefield Trinity.
This was no ordinary match though, a place at Wembley awaited the winners of this semi-final 1895 Cup tie.
🔥 | Immaculate vibes. pic.twitter.com/nhhivftPMY
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) May 12, 2024
The club understood the magnitude of the fixture - wanting as many Bradfordians as possible to cheer them on in their quest.
Therefore, bosses decided to put on a number of free activities, live music acts, and drink offers.
I headed down to the famous old ground to enjoy the festivities.
A view of Odsal pre-game (Image: Newsquest)Before gates opened at 1pm, I went to the Top House - once named the best rugby league pub in Britain.
It was a delightful atmosphere with young and old, Bulls and Trinity supporters getting match-ready.
80 MINUTES FROM WEMBLEY! pic.twitter.com/LOBAQ35JVM
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) May 12, 2024
When crossing the road to the ground, it was difficult not to notice the streams of cars filling up Rooley Avenue.
Although the disruption caused by the roadworks taking place on Mayo Avenue may have had something to do with that, it still showed a huge game was on the horizon.
Inflatables were put up for kids to enjoy around the ground (Image: Newsquest)Ticket purchased, I proceeded to browse the family entertainment on offer and saw tons of kids having fun.
There were inflatable rugby posts, bouncy castles, an ice cream van, and face painting.
Adults were also seen making the most of the food vans and soaking in live music from a put-up tent and on-field performer Natalie Lane.
The two pints for a fiver pre-kickoff offer was greatly received by punters as they formed huge queues at the bars.
The bars were busy throughout the match (Image: Newsquest)Having bought a standing ticket, I chose to witness the game from the terrace stand.
The majority of the Wakefield supporters positioned themselves behind the posts while I was amongst the loud and proud Bradfordians.
A booming welcome for the players was quickly followed by a poignant hush as all 5,430 spectators in attendance went silent to remember the 56 who sadly died in the Valley Parade fire.
The minute's silence on the 39th anniversary of the tragedy was well-observed.
Wakefield brought great support (Image: Newsquest)On to the match now, and it was a blend of great defence and brilliant moments that gave Bradford a surprise 8-6 lead at half time.
However, that jubilance soon evaporated as the visitors eventually ran out 40-14 winners.
A return to Wembley will have to wait for Bulls but they can take great pride in the day they created for families across the district.
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