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World Darts Championship Will Have Fans But No Fancy Dress Or Singing

World Darts Championship Will Have Fans But No Fancy Dress Or Singing

Darts fans will be allowed in during the PDC World Championships later this month but it won't be the same as usual.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Fans will be allowed in Alexandra Palace for this month's PDC Darts World Championship but things aren't going to be the same as usual.

Sport in England can welcome fans back to stadiums and arenas from today, as the country comes out of its second lockdown of the year.

Events in tier one and two will be allowed up to 4,000 people outside and 2,000 inside, that halves for the higher tier meaning that 'Ally Pally' can play hosts to 1,000 fans per session.

Spectators who make their way through the doors in London from December 15th will have a very difference experience to previous years though.

They'll be no fancy dress allowed, which has become a staple of the event, and fans will sit on tables of four from one household or bubble.

Fans won't be able to sing or chant like usual either, they will be allowed to drink without having to have a 'substantial meal' but must order to their table on an app and have to wear a mask when standing.

It all means that, though the championship will be one of the first major sporting events with fans, it will all feel a lot more sterilised than normal.

The raucous fans and fancy dress have really become a mainstay of what has made the event over Christmas and New Year so special.

Tickets go on sale for the championship on Thursday and prices start at £160 for the early rounds, up to £280 for the final.

Michael van Gerwen is favourite to add to his three world titles. He won the Players' Championship at the weekend, but the Dutchman's form has been poor this year generally.

Defending champion Peter Wright is third favourite behind Gerwyn Price, the man he beat in last year's semi-final before beating MVG in the final.

The draw for the tournament will take place on Friday.

Fans won't be packed into Ally Pally like usual. Image: PA Images
Fans won't be packed into Ally Pally like usual. Image: PA Images

Fans will get to return to football in England this week too, with Arsenal hosting Rapid Wien in the Europa League on Thursday being the first major game with fans since March.

Manchester United's visit to West Ham will be the first Premier League game with fans since Leicester City beat Aston Villa on March 9th.

Featured Image Credit: PDC

Topics: Darts, PDC, Darts News

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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@Sidler28