PDC World Darts Championship set to reach 180,000 fans from next year as Ally Pally receives a mega-upgrade from 2026, set to remain host until 2031
PDCThursday, 04 December 2025 at 12:13
The Alexandra Palace Christmas tradition is here to stay — and it’s about to get even bigger. The PDC has officially confirmed a long-term deal that keeps the World Darts Championship at the iconic London venue until at least 2031, alongside major plans to expand its capacity.
Move to the Great Hall to welcome 180,000 fans
Individual sessions will welcome over 5,000 spectators — meaning even more noise, atmosphere and fancy dress at the sport’s most famous party.
Since first hosting the event in 2007, Ally Pally has become the beating heart of world darts, its raucous December nights now as synonymous with Christmas as mince pies and novelty jumpers.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter said in an official press release: “Alexandra Palace has become synonymous with the World Darts Championship, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership through to at least 2031. Ally Pally at Christmas is the identity of the tournament and it produces an incredible atmosphere that makes it one of the most iconic sports events in the world.”
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“Christmas isn’t complete without the darts”
Lucy Fenner, Commercial Director at Alexandra Palace, echoed that sentiment: “We’re honoured to have been home to the Worlds since 2007 and proud to extend our partnership with the PDC. Christmas isn’t complete without the presents, the turkey and the tradition of making the annual pilgrimage to the darts at Ally Pally.”
Chief Executive Emma Dagnes OBE added that the event’s impact reaches far beyond the stage: “Events like the darts have a seismic impact for us as a charity. They create experiences of a lifetime and help support our work caring for the Park and Palace and delivering cultural and learning programmes for millions every year.”
Luke Littler took the title at the Alexandra Palace 12 months ago
Matchroom Foundation to continue support
The Matchroom Charitable Foundation has also confirmed an extension of its backing for Alexandra Palace’s Creative Learning programme, pledging £300,000 over three years to help reach more than 10,000 people annually — from arts sessions for people living with dementia to outdoor learning for school groups and training for young creatives.
With the 2025/26 World Darts Championship taking place from 11 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, the countdown is officially on for one last tournament in the current setup — before Ally Pally gets even louder in 2026 and beyond.
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- Yes, a warning indeed. He is coming to the buffet table, out of his way. This class A goof continues to blither about how he is playing the best darts of his life and even had the laughable audacity to say he was in the best shape of his life. He had a lucky run at Blackpool and even luckier at the World Championship and is still living off that. His form the past year especially the last 6 months completely sucks. 6 micky mouse titles mean nothing.richieburnettrocks13-12-2025
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- Talent without ambition is like a bird without wingsBandB06-12-2025
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