Darts conquers New York: US Masters moves to Madison Square Garden's main arena after record sales

The US Darts Masters will move to the main building of Madison Square Garden from 2027. Matchroom chairman Barry Hearn announced the switch after an unprecedented start to ticket sales.

The World Series event is currently staged in the Theater at Madison Square Garden, with a capacity of roughly 2,000 to 5,600 spectators. Interest in the upcoming edition, however, exceeded all expectations. No fewer than 6,000 tickets were snapped up on the first day of sales.

For Hearn, that’s proof the sport in the United States is ready for the next step. From 2027, the event will therefore move to the main arena at Madison Square Garden, which holds around 19,500 fans.

“We went on sale in New York last week and we sold six thousand tickets on the first day at Madison Square Garden," Hearn told talkSPORT.

“Watch this space because next year we are going to come out of the theater at Madison Square Garden and we are going to go into the full arena. If you had imagined that in your dreams ten years ago, would you ever see a sold-out Madison Square Garden — arguably the most famous stadium in the world — for darts in America?"

According to Hearn, the growth is no coincidence. He points to the appeal of the current generation of top players, who he believes are connecting with the public.

“The answer is it’s coming. This sport has got personalities. I get darts players saying to me, ‘I have got ideas’. These are ordinary guys who look like someone who lives around the corner to you. But they have extraordinary ability. Luke Littler, who won in Poland last night, is a great ambassador. Let’s hope they all stay sensible. Darts puts a smile on my face every time.”

The upcoming edition of the US Darts Masters is scheduled for 06/25/2026 and 06/26/2026. Luke Humphries is the defending champion in New York, having beaten Nathan Aspinall 8-6 in the final at the previous edition of this World Series event.