Fans set to return for first time in 2021 for Premier League Darts finale

Live crowds will return for the first time at PDC events since 2021 for the conclusion of this year's Premier League Darts from May 24-28.

Step 3 of the government's roadmap out of lockdown from Coronavirus sees crowds inside indoor venues for sporting venues allowed up to 1,000 fans.

This means that after six months of behind closed doors action, crowds will be back for the first time since the World Championship with fans was halted after the first night of action due to London going into Tier 4 before the country went back into full lockdown in early 2021.

Held at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, the fourth block of Premier League action begins on Monday, May 24 with the race to the play-offs intensifying in the nights to follow until Friday May 28 which will feature the semi-finals and the final.

It will be hoped that this will be a pre cursor to Step 4 which will see restrictions lifted in full in June which will be time for the World Matchplay in Blackpool.

"We're delighted that we'll be able to welcome back crowds for the culmination of the Unibet Premier League at the end of May for what should be five great nights of action," said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.

"It feels like such a long time since we last had a live crowd in December at the start of the World Championship, but we've continued to work with the relevant authorities regarding the safe return of fans to PDC tournaments at the appropriate time.

"The Premier League is an event which thrives on the support from live crowds, and our players will undoubtedly rise to the occasion of having fans back next month."

While crowds will return, it will be made into a Covid-safe environment with socially distanced tables, face coverings to be worn as well as screening, table service and one way systems.

Tickets will go on sale next week and are priced at £30 per person for May 24-26, £35 for May 27 and £40 for the season ending play-offs.