Get ready for a seismic shift in the world of darts! The US Darts Masters, a major professional tournament, is making an unprecedented move from Madison Square Garden’s smaller Theater to its colossal Main Arena starting in 2027. This dramatic expansion follows an astonishing 6,000 ticket sales on the very first day for the upcoming 2024 event, proving that American enthusiasm for darts is skyrocketing and setting the stage for the sport to fill nearly 20,000 seats at one of the world’s most famous venues.
Darts Takes Center Stage at Madison Square Garden
The landscape of professional darts is undergoing a monumental transformation, with the United States at its heart. What began as an “experiment” across the Atlantic has now blossomed into a full-blown phenomenon, largely thanks to the visionary leadership of figures like Barry Hearn, the former chairman of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).
From Intimate Theater to Grand Arena
For several years, the US Darts Masters found its home in the more intimate surroundings of the Theater at Madison Square Garden. This venue, capable of holding between 2,000 and 5,600 spectators, offered a respectable and atmospheric setting. However, the ambition for darts in America has grown far beyond containment.
The turning point arrived with the ticket sales for this year’s World Series event. An incredible 6,000 tickets vanished into the New York air on the very first day they were released. This overwhelming demand wasn’t just a success; it was a clear signal, detonating a much grander vision for the sport’s future in the US.
A Dream Becomes Reality: Nearly 20,000 Fans Await
Starting in 2027, darts will dramatically step out of the Theater’s shadow and into the main arena of Madison Square Garden. This colossal venue can accommodate approximately 19,500 roaring fans, a staggering leap in scale.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Barry Hearn could barely contain his excitement about this “manifest destiny” for darts. He recounted the astonishing ticket sales: “We went on sale in New York last week and we sold six thousand tickets on the first day at Madison Square Garden. 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.”
Hearn reflected on the seemingly impossible dream from just a decade ago:
- “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?”
- “The answer is it’s coming.”
This remarkable growth isn’t just about the venue; it’s about the captivating personalities and extraordinary skill of the players themselves. Hearn highlights their appeal: “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.”
He specifically praised rising star Luke Littler, who recently won in Poland, as a “great ambassador” for the sport. The hope is that these talented individuals will continue to inspire and entertain, driving darts to even greater heights. As Hearn cheerfully concludes, “Darts puts a smile on my face every time.”
Who Will Reign Supreme?
As the American crescendo for darts builds, all eyes will be on the players who will grace this iconic stage. Last year’s winner and current world number two, Luke Humphries, will undoubtedly be aiming for another triumphant journey across the Atlantic to defend his coveted crown, adding another layer of excitement to this unfolding saga.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
