World Matchplay on course to welcome crowds in July

The World Matchplay is on course to welcome fans back to the historic Winter Gardens after confirmation that the PDC Is planning a capacity crowd in Blackpool.

The Covid-19 pandemic meant that like all events barring some towards the back end of 2020 in Europe were all but behind closed doors including the World Matchplay which moved to Milton Keynes.

But with restrictions continuing to ease with the next step set for May 17th which will allow more social contact and events to take place indoors, the hope is for a 2,000 person crowd between July 17-25.

The next step for the PDC will be the Premier League Darts between May 24-28 where fans will be welcomed back for the finale of the darting roadshow in Milton Keynes.

"So far the information we have is that if that June 21 deadline with the lifting of all social restrictions is met, then we will be at the Winter Gardens in the middle of July with no limits whatsoever," said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.

"That's great because we've got thousands of ticket holders from last year and we hope that they'll be joined by thousands more people all coming to remind themselves what a great night they can have at the darts."