World Darts Championship to welcome back 1,000 fans but fancy dress and singing BANNED for Alexandra Palace crowd
FANS in fancy dress will be banned from this month’s William Hill World Darts Championship under strict Covid-19 regulations.
And punters watching the oche action at Alexandra Palace over Christmas will be prevented from ‘football style’ singing and chanting.
Tickets for the 2021 Worlds will go on priority sale from noon on Thursday and then on general sale from Friday.
Up to 1,000 spectators will be permitted for 28 sessions spread across 16 days of action – the first live darts crowd in the UK since March.
However, social-distancing measures will be in place as organisers must adhere to government guidelines, which cover the safe return of fans.
The atmosphere will not be the same this time. Fancy dress has long been the selling point for the PDC but that will not be allowed – only Christmas jumpers are permitted.
And standing up to sing or chant is not permissible due to the regulations required for indoor sport.
The PDC said: “Football-style singing and chanting will not be permitted, however you will be able to encourage your favourite players from your table.
“Failure to adhere to requests from event security to comply with this may lead to your removal from the event.
“Spectators must only interact with individuals from their own table throughout the duration of their time inside the venue.”
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People living in Tier 1 or Tier 2 areas will be able to book a table of four seats, with a table required to consist of ONE household or support bubble. They must all arrive at the venue at the same time to gain entry.
Anybody living within an area subject to Tier 3 local restrictions should not attend.
Unless someone has a medical exemption, face coverings must be worn when travelling around the venue – for the toilets or smoking area – but can be taken off when seated at a table. One-way systems will be operational.
It will be a cashless tournament – food and drink will be served directly to tables and booked via a dedicated smartphone app.
There are no bars or catering concessions and no Fans Village this time.
Fans are encouraged to avoid public transport where possible when travelling to the event with parking available on site.
Anybody feeling unwell or showing symptoms of Covid-19 will be discouraged from attending.
Refunds are available if government policy changes and the event is cancelled or has to be played behind closed doors.
The event starts on Tuesday December 15 with the 2021 final scheduled for Sunday January 3.
Peter Wright is the defending champion having beaten Michael van Gerwen in the 2020 final on New Year’s Day.
For more details on tickets visit www.pdc.tv